'Day Without Immigrants': Utah Stores Close In Protest Of Federal Immigration Policy

'Day Without Immigrants': Utah stores close in protest of federal immigration policy

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Several Utah stores, markets, and restaurants are joining in a nationwide protest of federal immigration policy by closing their doors on Monday, Feb. 3.

Rancho Markets, Señor Pollo Mexican Grill, House of Corn, and multiple Beto’s restaurants are just a few of the dozens of businesses that closed Monday in response to President Donald Trump’s recent crackdown on immigration.

The businesses announced their temporary closure on social media, expressing support for the immigrant community and disapproval of the federal government’s treatment of immigrants.

“Due to the current federal political treatment of hard-working and law-abiding immigrants, who are being unfairly treated, Rancho Markets is supporting this day of protest and standing in solidarity with our fellow immigrants,” Rancho Markets posted.

Trump immediately began tightening immigration policy during his first two weeks in office, removing restrictions on immigration agents entering churches and schools, increasing immigration arrests, sending troops to the southern border, and seeking to end birthright citizenship, according to the Associated Press.

This is not the first time businesses closed in protest of immigration policy. During Trump’s first term in office, the Associated Press reported that immigrants across the United States did not go to work or school on Feb. 16, 2017, in protest of his plan to increase deportations.

During the latest “Day Without Immigrants” or “Dia Sin Imigrantes” protest, a slew of Utah businesses joined in support of the local immigrant community.

“As a first-generation American, it’s heartbreaking to witness the fear and uncertainty our community is facing right now. At unCafecito, we stand firm in our belief that everyone deserves equality, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive,” wrote unCafecito, a Salt Lake City coffee shop participating in the protest.

Other local businesses that participated include Victor’s Tires, Taquería el Rey de Oros, Loco Burger, La Ranchera Market, La Casa Del Tamal, Panadería y Pastelería La Mexicana, El Potrero Market, Los Molcajetes, Carnicería La Selecta, La Cantera, and Catrachos Restaurant, among others.