UNITED STATES: Restaurants shutter nationwide for ‘Day Without Immigrants’ protests

WASHINGTON (TNND) — Restaurants across the United States closed their doors Monday in protest of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

The “Day Without Immigrants” initiative began in 2017 in response to Trump’s plans to build a wall at the U.S. southern border during his first presidency. Those participating in the protests go on a one-day labor strike to illustrate what the country would look like without immigrants’ participation in the U.S. economy.

West Valley City, Utah’s La Cena Del Tamal shared a statement via Instagram encouraging others to join the effort.

“With everything going on and with how hardworking immigrants are being treated right now, La Cena Del Tamal is standing with our community and supporting this day of protest,” the restaurant wrote. “Immigrants make our lives better by providing essential services , and we are a community that sticks together.”

In Washington, D.C., Republic Cantina also wrote it would suspend service in honor of the protest.

“DC depends on immigrants, who work vital jobs in our local economy, pay taxes and make the city a vibrant place to live,” Republic Cantina said via Instagram. “We’ve been dismayed to see the rollout of policies that tear immigrants from their homes—which is inhumane and will cause massive harm to communities and to small businesses.”

Mama’s House of Quincy, Florida also shut its doors and said in a statement via Facebook more needs to be done to support immigrants.

“Mamas House is closed Today, February 2, supporting our Latino Community !” the food truck wrote. “Just like we send out these type of messages TOGETHER, we should do much more during the year supporting each other through events & projects each day!”

Various businesses in Kern County, California also shuttered. Participating establishments included Con Azucar Café, El Puesto Cocina Lounge, and Mercado Latino.

Many also took to the streets in San Ysidro, California Monday to protest Trump’s immigration policies and mass deportations plan. Video captured by CBS 8 shows individuals waving Mexican flags at passing cars on a busy street.

Several GOP lawmakers also condemned a similar scene on Sunday where protesters blocked a Los Angeles freeway. Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., said he would reintroduce legislation to make it a crime to intentionally block highways.

“First Hamas supporters, now illegals and their enablers, are stopping traffic,” Rep. Collins wrote via X. “To make America safe again, we must have law and order.”