SAVANNAH, Ga. — In response to recent federal immigration enforcement actions, which include two high-profile fatal shootings in Minnesota, organizers across the United States are advocating for a nationwide general strike this Friday. Among the cities participating is Savannah, where local communities are mobilizing to make their voices heard.

In Savannah, plans are underway for a rally to be held Saturday afternoon at the Forsyth Park stage. On Friday, the organizers are urging people to refrain from going to work, attending school, or shopping as part of a broader effort to spotlight concerns over current immigration enforcement practices.

This initiative is part of a larger movement involving activist groups across 46 states, with more than 1,000 organizations participating in what they are calling an economic blackout. In Savannah, efforts to raise awareness and engage the community will continue throughout Friday, following a strategic meeting held by volunteers on Thursday evening.

In a conversation with a local organizer, insights were shared on the motivations behind joining the National Shutdown. “We’re working closely with the community to inform them about this National Day of Action. We stand in solidarity with the black and Somali students in Minnesota who are advocating for an extended strike,” explained Lauren Nowak, a local organizer affiliated with the PSL Savannah organization.

“We’re organizing with the community to outreach with them and let them know that this is a National Day of Action. And we’re standing in solidarity with the black and Somali students in Minnesota who are calling for an extended strike,” said Lauren Nowak, a local organizer for the strike and a part of the PSL Savannah organization.

Of course, not everyone agrees. In a statement, U.S. Representative Buddy Carter says he supports ICE in its enforcement efforts and believes quote “our streets are safer when law enforcement officers are empowered to do their job.”

Students at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong campus plan to also participate in the strike starting at noon on Friday. A GSU-Armstrong student organizer told they are calling on other students to organize on campus.

“The students of Savannah are organizing to build a student movement against ICE and their assault on immigrants. We stand in solidarity with the students in Minnesota who called for a nationwide day of action to shut it down,” said Tycen Tomms, a GSU student organizer, in a statement.

A larger rally is planned at Forsyth Park on Saturday at noon. Organizers tell that the rally will take place rain, snow, or shine. Organizers stress that the events are meant to be peaceful.

Officials with the City of Savannah said they are aware of the event and that there will be officers in the area.