Tue Feb 04 16:05:54 IST 2025: ## Businesses Shut Down in Nationwide Protest Against Trump’s Immigration Policies

**Los Angeles, CA –** A wave of business closures swept across the United States on Monday in a “Day Without Immigrants” protest against President Trump’s immigration policies. From nurseries and grocery stores to hair salons, numerous businesses shuttered their doors, demonstrating the impact of immigrant labor on the American economy.

The protest, which followed Sunday’s street demonstrations in California and other states, saw large gatherings in cities like Los Angeles, where demonstrators waved flags and carried signs reading “Immigration Built This Nation” and “Abolish ICE.” The demonstrations highlight the rising tensions and fears within immigrant communities following President Trump’s executive orders targeting immigrants and increased ICE raids.

However, the participation in the protest was not universal. Many business owners and employees, particularly within immigrant communities, expressed their inability to afford a day without pay, citing financial pressures and anxieties stemming from widespread (though often unfounded) rumors of increased ICE activity. These rumors have reportedly led to decreased school attendance among children from immigrant families.

Noel Xavier, organizing director for the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, noted the difficulty many workers face in participating in such protests. “If I don’t go to work today, that’s one day less that I have to pay rent,” he said, reflecting the economic constraints preventing broader participation.

Despite the limited participation, the protest underscored the significant role immigrants play in the US workforce. Andrea Toro, a salon owner in Chicago, closed her business in solidarity, highlighting the interconnectedness of the community and the potential consequences of inaction. “If we don’t have immigrants, we don’t have any work around here,” she stated, emphasizing the need to raise awareness about the impact of the administration’s policies. The “Day Without Immigrants” served as a visible demonstration of the anxieties and concerns within immigrant communities, as well as a powerful reminder of their substantial contributions to the US economy.

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