Chants cut through Foley Square Friday night as thousands marched in freezing temperatures, part of what organizers called a general strike.

“I want America back and I want America to be better. I think it could be a lot better, and I just don’t like the direction it’s heading in,” Long Island resident Geordie Grassie said.

What You Need To Know

  • Thousands marched in freezing temperatures Friday night, part of what organizers called a general strike

  • The strike follows similar protests last week in Minneapolis, sparked by anger over immigration enforcement and the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal immigration agents

  • Protesters took to the streets saying they have real concerns that what’s happening in Minneapolis could happen in New York City

The strike follows similar protests last week in Minneapolis sparked by anger over immigration enforcement and the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal immigration agents.

“You see everything on your phones, you hear on podcasts and in the news, and a great way to deal with the sadness and frustration is to show up,” Brooklyn resident Lindsey Neeld said.

The future — many say — is being shaped by young people showing up in force.

“Seeing them care is just like, OK, there is a future,” Brooklyn resident Jen Jinx said.

“The youth are really involved in it, and they really want to see a change,” Manhattan resident Matan Leader said.

Protesters took to the streets saying they have real concerns that what’s happening in Minneapolis could happen in New York City.

They’re demanding not only accountability from the Trump administration, but also elected leaders in Congress.

“I think they’re not doing enough. I think they should be doing more. I think this never should have happened to begin with,” Brooklyn resident Adina Valerio said.

Organizers say what began in Minneapolis is now a national blueprint, and they plan to keep showing up until they see change.

“These are our neighbors, these are our friends. We have to stop, we have to let ICE know this isn’t what we want, and this isn’t what the country wants, and we have to let the president know that as well,” Leader said.