Restaurants across the U.S. closed in support of 'A Day Without Immigrants' to protest immigration policies. The movement aims to highlight the vital role of immigrants in the economy amid fears of deportation under Trump's administration. Businesses in cities like Washington D.C. and Minneapolis participated, with many owners and staff expressing anxiety over the current political climate.
On February 3, 2025, numerous businesses across the United States closed their doors in observance of 'A Day Without Immigrants,' a protest aimed at highlighting the crucial role immigrants play in the economy. This movement comes in response to President Donald Trump's renewed crackdown on immigration policies, which has instilled fear and anxiety within immigrant communities. Restaurants and other businesses in major cities like Washington D.C. and Minneapolis participated, emphasizing solidarity with immigrant workers and communities.
The 'Day Without Immigrants' movement saw participation from businesses across the nation, aiming to demonstrate the essential contributions of immigrants to the U.S. economy. In Washington D.C., restaurants like Republic Cantina and Hiraya closed to show solidarity with immigrant workers. Chris Svetlik, owner of Republic Cantina, stated, "It’s just been very concerning to see the rise of anti-immigrant rhetoric" [1]. Meanwhile, in Minneapolis, establishments such as Barbette and La Costa Mexican Sports Bar and Grill also closed their doors, with Barbette expressing support for Mexican and Latino communities [2]. This collective action underscores the reliance of many businesses on immigrant labor, and the potential economic impact of immigration policies.
In addition to business closures, the 'Day Without Immigrants' movement drew attention to the broader impact on immigrant communities. In Minneapolis, Daniel Hernandez, owner of Colonial Market, kept his store open to assist undocumented immigrants with legal forms to protect their children in case of deportation. "The main thing that we're trying to avoid, is the trauma that a lot of these kids will have," Hernandez noted, highlighting the anxiety pervading immigrant families [3]. This sentiment was echoed by other community members who expressed fears over potential raids and deportations.
The 'Day Without Immigrants' protest is not a new phenomenon. A similar event took place in 2017 during Trump's first term, which also saw widespread participation from businesses. This year's protest, however, comes amid heightened fears due to Trump's renewed immigration policies, which include increased ICE raids and deportations. Many business owners, while supportive of the movement, expressed concerns about the economic impact of closing for the day. Jaime di Paulo, president of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, remarked, "This is only hurting our own community" [4]. Despite these challenges, the movement continues to emphasize the need for compassionate and meaningful immigration reform.
The 'Day Without Immigrants' protest serves as a powerful reminder of the vital contributions immigrants make to the U.S. economy and the challenges they face under current immigration policies. By closing their businesses, owners and workers alike have taken a stand to support immigrant communities and advocate for change. As the movement gains traction, it calls for greater awareness and dialogue around the need for comprehensive immigration reform and the protection of immigrant rights.
"It’s just been very concerning to see the rise of anti-immigrant rhetoric." - Chris Svetlik
"The main thing that we're trying to avoid, is the trauma that a lot of these kids will have." - Daniel Hernandez
"This is only hurting our own community." - Jaime di Paulo