Thousands brave cold to protest against ICE in Minneapolis

Thousands of protesters braved the freezing cold temperatures in Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota, on Friday to oppose the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the U.S. state.

The protest, organized under the title, "ICE out of Minnesota - a day of truth and freedom," took place amid temperatures as low as minus 29 degrees Celsius.

More than 700 businesses across the state closed their doors in what organizers called an economic blackout, urging residents not to work, shop, or attend school.

One business, Insight Brewing was among those to cease operations. But instead of selling beer, it served as a donation hub, collecting items to distribute to people in need.

"We are a space for our community. And our community is hurting right now and the best way we can help out is just direct to family donations. We have a bunch of volunteers who are absolutely stellar. Outside of that, we are just making some signs, we're providing snacks, hand warmers, just being a temporary third space while we are not open for official business," said Joey Steinbach, marketing manager of Insight Brewing. Tensions have escalated after ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother and U.S. citizen, on Jan 7 during an immigration enforcement operation, according to local media reports. The shooting triggered daily protests across the Minneapolis area.

Thousands brave cold to protest against ICE in Minneapolis

Thousands brave cold to protest against ICE in Minneapolis

Thousands brave cold to protest against ICE in Minneapolis

Thousands brave cold to protest against ICE in Minneapolis

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing said Tuesday that China is willing to collaborate with all parties to ensure nuclear energy better supports the development and prosperity of all nations.

Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during the second Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris which he attended as Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative.

Zhang said China has always adhered to a sensible, coordinated, and balanced nuclear security strategy proposed by President Xi and has made concrete contributions to promoting the global development of nuclear energy.

China is willing to work with all parties to jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, and promote nuclear energy innovation-driven development, safety foundation building, industrial collaboration and win-win cooperation, so that nuclear energy can better benefit the development and prosperity of all countries, he said.

Zhang noted that China stands ready to join hands with all parties to make new contributions in building a clean, beautiful and sustainable world and a community with a shared future for humanity.

Heads of state, government leaders and senior representatives from over 30 countries, as well as heads of relevant international organizations, attended the summit and issued a joint statement titled "Safe and affordable nuclear energy for all."

Chinese vice premier calls for global nuclear cooperation