Grey's Anatomy Production Suspended During Widespread Anti-ICE Demonstrations
Filming for the acclaimed medical drama Grey's Anatomy has reportedly been temporarily halted, as the United States faces a coordinated nationwide shutdown in protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. The Disney-owned ABC series, currently in production for its 22nd season, has paused operations in solidarity with the growing movement.
National Shutdown Called by Student Activists
Hundreds of protests are scheduled across the country on January 30th and 31st, organised by student groups at the University of Minnesota under the banner of a 'national shutdown'. The initiative urges participants to abstain from work, school, and shopping, with the rallying cry: 'Stop funding ICE'. This collective action aims to draw attention to recent incidents involving ICE officers, including the deaths of two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during protests in Minneapolis earlier this month.
Production Decision Influenced by Crew Participation
Sources indicate that the decision to suspend Grey's Anatomy filming was made after production became aware that numerous crew members intended to join the protests. The halt is expected to be temporary, with plans to resume production on Saturday. However, this coincides with a second planned demonstration, dubbed an 'ICE Out of Everywhere National Day of Action' by grassroots organisers.
Celebrity Support for the Anti-ICE Movement
The production pause follows a wave of celebrity activism against ICE in recent weeks. High-profile figures have publicly voiced their opposition, with several wearing 'ICE Out' pins at major events such as the Golden Globes and the Sundance Film Festival. Notable supporters include:
- Meg Stalter
- Glenn Close
- Olivia Wilde
- Pedro Pascal
At the Golden Globes, actor Mark Ruffalo wore a 'Be Good' pin in honour of Renee Nicole Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent. Ruffalo told reporters, 'This is for Renee Nicole Good, who was murdered... I want to be here to celebrate, but this is not normal anymore. So I don't know how I could be quiet.'
Context and Industry Impact
Grey's Anatomy, which holds the record as the longest-running primetime scripted medical drama in the US, continues to be a cultural touchstone. Its production suspension highlights the intersection of entertainment and social activism, reflecting broader public concern over immigration enforcement practices. The series remains available for streaming on Disney Plus in the UK, though this temporary halt underscores the real-world issues influencing its production schedule.
