The impact of the recent “Day Without Immigrants” protest was felt across Southern California and the nation on Monday, with numerous businesses closing their doors, schools reporting lower attendance, and families altering their routines in solidarity with the movement. The call to action, which gained traction on social media in the days leading up to the event, urged immigrants to refrain from working, keep their children home from school, and avoid shopping on that particular day.
Businesses of various sizes and industries across the U.S. responded to the call by announcing closures on social media platforms. From a quinceañera boutique in Omaha to a coffee shop in Salt Lake City, the impact of the protest was widespread and noticeable. Even an accounting firm in Pasco, Wash., made the decision to close its doors for the day. This movement mirrored a similar nationwide protest that took place in February 2017, shortly after President Trump assumed office.
Wendy Guardado, a prominent activist in Los Angeles who played a key role in organizing the protest, reported that nearly 250 businesses nationwide had participated in the demonstration. While some establishments chose to close in solidarity, others found themselves understaffed, such as the Abbey Food & Bar in West Hollywood, where the kitchen remained closed due to a lack of workers. Guardado emphasized that this protest was only the beginning, hinting at further actions to come in response to what she described as “four years of Trump.”
In Los Angeles Unified School District, attendance dropped significantly on Monday, with only 66% of students present compared to an average of 93% throughout the year. Teachers reported empty classrooms, highlighting the impact of the protest on the education system. Similarly, the Inglewood Unified School District noted a higher-than-usual student absence rate on that day, reflecting the widespread participation in the protest among students and families.
In Sacramento, Mario Ledesma, the owner of Pa’l Norte Work & Western Wear, made a personal decision to close his store for the day. His store, which he named in honor of the sacrifices made by immigrants pursuing the American dream, represents a poignant symbol of solidarity with the movement. Ledesma’s decision to prioritize the protest over potential profits underscores the deeply personal and emotional connection that many participants feel towards the cause.
The protest also resonated within the restaurant industry, with eateries like Golfo de Fonseca in Pacoima closing their doors to show support. Yonatan Franco, an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, expressed his commitment to avoiding large businesses that he believed supported Trump’s policies, opting instead to support local Latino-owned establishments. This sentiment was echoed by Reyna, a line cook in Santa Ana, who chose to keep her children home from school and delay grocery shopping to participate in the protest.
Experts emphasized that the impact of the protest should not be solely measured in economic terms, but rather in the symbolic message it conveys. Victor Narro, project director at the UCLA Labor Center, highlighted the essential role that immigrants play in sustaining the country’s workforce and economy. As the population ages and birth rates decline, immigrants are becoming increasingly vital to maintaining a strong and vibrant economy.
The protest culminated in various demonstrations across the region, with thousands of protesters gathering in downtown Los Angeles and Santa Ana to voice their opposition to Trump’s immigration policies. The atmosphere was charged with energy and passion, as individuals of all backgrounds came together to stand in solidarity with the immigrant community. As the protests unfolded, it became clear that for many participants, this movement was not just about a single day of action, but a larger ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
In conclusion, the “Day Without Immigrants” protest served as a powerful reminder of the vital contributions made by immigrants to the fabric of American society. By coming together in solidarity and raising their voices in unison, participants across the country sent a powerful message of resilience, unity, and determination in the face of adversity. As the nation grapples with complex issues of immigration and identity, these demonstrations serve as a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience of immigrant communities in the United States.