Businesses across the nation are taking part in the ‘Day Without Immigrants,’ either closing down or providing paid time off to employees on Monday as a show of solidarity with the community impacted by President Donald Trump’s policies. This gesture aims to underscore the significant contributions immigrants make to society on a daily basis, as reported by CBS News. Participants are encouraging people to refrain from shopping, attending school, or working within their communities on February 3. The event comes in response to Trump’s recent executive orders on immigration, particularly one that could potentially eliminate birthright citizenship, in opposition to the 14th Amendment. There is also heightened concern about ongoing immigration enforcement raids by ICE, according to the report. During the early days of his second term, Trump signed the Laken Riley Act, instructing immigration officers to detain undocumented immigrants upon arrest for crimes such as burglary, theft, larceny, shoplifting, or assaulting law enforcement officers. Detention and deportation can occur based solely on being accused, not necessarily convicted, of a crime.
Protesters gathered outside the State Department of Education in Oklahoma City on January 28, 2025, to oppose possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in public schools. Demonstrations are also taking place in other locations such as Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., with various states participating to amplify their voices. Numerous businesses in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region are joining the demonstration, including popular eateries like La Casita Pupuseria, El Golfo, Los Chorros, and Rio Grande Bar and Grill. Some establishments, such as Republic Cantina and Pearl’s Bagels, are closed for the day, providing paid time off to staff to emphasize the importance of immigrants to the local community and economy.
In Oklahoma, restaurants under Good Egg Dining’s ownership have announced temporary closures, aligning with the protest. Similarly, establishments in Colorado, Minnesota, and Illinois are reportedly following suit. Carmen Montoya, owner of a Mexican restaurant in Chicago, expressed to WLS the importance of providing job opportunities without instilling fear among individuals.
This demonstration echoes a similar protest held in 2017 during Trump’s earlier tenure, where businesses like law offices and grocery stores shut down for the day.
Students missed classes, individuals joined public marches, and certain workers chose not to work. Credit: Joey Garrison and Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY; Josh Kelly, The OklahomanTaylor Ardrey serves as a news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at tardrey@gannett.com.This story was initially published on USA TODAY: ‘Day Without Immigrants’: Businesses in these states closed on Feb. 3
