‘Day Without Immigrants’ protests being held in Denver

In cities across the country today, businesses are participating in a “Day Without Immigrants” by closing their doors in response to the actions of President Donald Trump’s administration. “They want to be part of the American dream”.

The restaurant industry could be hit particularly hard by the protest. Other businesses inside the building aren’t run by immigrants and can’t afford to close, he told KMTV. That number represents a quarter of the food service workforce statewide. While five Pete’s locations are closed Thursday, stores at 118th and Avenue O in the Hegewisch neighborhood and Madison and Western in the Near West Side neighborhood would remain open as well as stores in Calumet City, Evergreen Park, Oakbrook Terrace, Bridgeview and Oak Park. The Davis Museum at Wellesley College in MA said it would remove or shroud all artwork created or given by immigrants to the museum through February 21.

“The power of the Hispanic because we have power, the government don’t understand that they need us”, Almendarez said.

Local 26 of the SEIU, a union that represents janitors, security guards and window washers, has more than 7,000 members and at least half of them are immigrants, said union representative Brahim Kone.

At Cambridge Brewing Co., Thursday’s menu was limited to just three items – burgers, chicken sandwiches, and fish and chips – because the vast majority of its kitchen workers, about 15 people, chose to strike.

Similar actions have taken place in other cities.

Latinos here in the Treasure Valley and across the nation stood in solidarity on this day. Other eating houses will also stay closed or work in a limited amount of hours.

A national protest held across the country, including right here in Boston, urged immigrants to skip school and work Thursday.

The office of the Architect of the Capitol, which oversees and contracts with thousands of Capitol support staff, did not respond to an inquiry about whether any preparations were underway or absences were anticipated. “We have a choice where we put our money”, said Garcia.

And Saru Jayaraman, co-founder of Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, an advocacy group for restaurant workers, issued a statement supporting the one-day boycott.

Cheap lettuce, for example, is said by supporters of immigrants to be available because of migrant farm workers.

“My parents are the only ones that can really take care of my siblings and I and if my parents get deported I will have to drop out of school and take care of them”, said Edgar Villegas. Those absences, as well as the company’s support of the cause, led them to the decision to close.

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