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Across the United States, a range of businesses, including daycares, grocery stores, and hair salons, closed their doors on Monday in response to a loosely organized protest against President Donald Trump's immigration policies.
This action, which sought to highlight the contributions of immigrant workers, faced significant obstacles. Many employees and business owners felt they could not afford to lose a day's income. Additionally, concerns over the potential for immigration raids created fear within migrant communities, dissuading many from participating in the protest.
Noel Xavier, the organizing director for the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, emphasized the need to showcase the value immigrants bring to their communities. He pointed out that many workers are unable to take a day off without risking their financial stability. Jaime di Paulo, president of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, notes that while small businesses in Latino neighbourhoods in Chicago took part, larger employers and industries, particularly construction, continued their operations.
In Chicago's Pilsen neighbourhood, Andrea Toro, owner of a local hair salon, made the decision to close her business. She shared that her clients, many of whom are teachers, had reported that their children were staying home from school due to fears surrounding Trump’s policies. Toro, who hails from Puerto Rico, lauds the vital role immigrants play in the local economy, saying, “If we don’t have immigrants, we don’t have anything to work around here.”
In St. Paul, Minnesota, El Burrito Mercado, a well-known restaurant and grocery business, operated for a few hours with a limited staff while participating in the protest. Co-owner Milissa Silva explains that while the business has strong Mexican roots, many employees were concerned about missing work and impacting the community's access to essential groceries. Tierra Encantada, a Spanish immersion daycare provider, opted to keep all 14 locations open.
CEO Kristen Denzer notes that many parents, regardless of their immigration status, chose to keep their children at home in a show of solidarity with their predominantly immigrant staff. This response encourages several undecided employees to take the day off in support of the cause. In Utah, Latino-owned businesses, including restaurants and supermarkets, also participated in the protest.
State Senator Luz Escamilla, a Democrat and the Senate minority leader highlighted the movement's compassionate nature and the solidarity exhibited within communities to raise awareness about the fear instilled by current immigration policies. In contrast, Utah Senate President Stuart Adams, a Republican, defended Trump’s immigration policies, asserting that deportations focus solely on criminals and those posing safety threats.