A Day Without Immigrants: Protests Show America’s Dependence on Immigrants

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Key Takeaways

The February 10, 2025, “A Day Without Immigrants” protest caused nationwide disruptions, highlighting immigrants’ critical roles in the U.S. economy.
California led the movement with massive participation in Los Angeles and statewide business closures, school absences, and demonstrations.
Nearly 250 businesses across the U.S. closed, with many accepting financial losses to express solidarity and amplify the protest’s impact.

On February 10, 2025, an event called “A Day Without Immigrants” brought the United States to a standstill. This nationwide protest, which occurred in response to the immigration policies of Donald Trump’s second administration, showcased the crucial roles that immigrants play in the economy and communities across the country. Likened to a similar movement in 2017, the 2025 protest made an even bigger impact, as businesses shut down and immigrants chose to stay away from work, school, and everyday activities to amplify their contributions to society.

Widespread Participation Across the U.S.

A Day Without Immigrants: Protests Show America’s Dependence on Immigrants

The protest reached every corner of the United States, with participation in large cities and small towns alike. From Colorado to Tennessee, communities joined efforts to demonstrate solidarity with immigrants. Denver and Aurora, Colorado, reported organized protests. In Utah, many businesses closed, while Nashville, Tennessee, saw a large demonstration. Oregon also reported actions in cities like Portland and Gresham, with towns like Salem and Hood River following suit. Businesses in these areas displayed signs or posted on social media to support the movement.

Texas had significant participation across cities like Houston, San Antonio, and the Dallas–Fort Worth area, bolstering the event’s visibility. Chicago businesses, too, joined in by shutting their doors, as did those in other cities in Illinois. In Minnesota, restaurants in Minneapolis, such as La Costa Mexican Sports Bar and Grill, halted operations as part of their protest. Businesses and citizens in Seattle, Washington, expressed their support by participating in various protest-related activities. Even in the nation’s capital, the Washington D.C. metro area, businesses paused operations for the day to stand with immigrants.

California: A Centerpiece of the Protest

California served as one of the leading contributors to “A Day Without Immigrants.” Throughout the state, participation was significant. Los Angeles stood out with its extraordinary turnout. Thousands of people gathered downtown to demonstrate, with events prompting the Los Angeles Police Department to issue a dispersal order to diffuse tensions. The city also faced operational disruptions, such as the closure of The Abbey Food & Bar’s kitchen in West Hollywood due to staff shortages. Meanwhile, in Santa Ana, El Sol Academy recorded triple its usual absentee rate, with 180 students skipping school.

Beyond Los Angeles, other areas in California joined the movement. Fresno hosted passionate demonstrations, while the San Francisco Bay Area saw significant gatherings. In Sacramento, Mario Ledesma, the owner of Pa’l Norte Work & Western Wear, closed his shop, fully aware of the financial implications of such a decision. Restaurants across the state—from Teddy’s Red Tacos’ ten branches to Barbacoa Los Gueros in La Mirada—also shuttered in solidarity, emphasizing the unity and seriousness behind the movement.

Economic Ripples and Business Solidarity

The protest’s economic effects became apparent as businesses nationwide chose to close for the day. Wendy Guardado, an activist based in Los Angeles, tracked nearly 250 closures across the country. As reported by VisaVerge.com, closures were documented in diverse industries, from coffee shops in Salt Lake City to car dealerships in Baltimore and accounting firms in Pasco, Washington. Social media amplified these announcements, as businesses used their platforms to express support for the mission of the protest.

For many, participating in “A Day Without Immigrants” meant accepting significant financial losses for the sake of making a statement. Owners like Mario Ledesma in Sacramento chose to prioritize the larger mission of solidarity over profit. Even immigrant-run businesses joined forces, often remarking that the short-term losses were worth it to spotlight their importance within local and national economies.

Schools and Attendance Struggles

Educational institutions also felt the protest’s impact, with multiple school districts reporting higher-than-average absences. For some schools, near-empty classrooms represented the weight of the situation. Los Angeles Unified School District teachers noted sparsely attended classes, while nearby Inglewood schools experienced similar absentee rates.

Parmelee Avenue Elementary School in South L.A. reported that 390 out of 670 students missed classes that day. Parents like Reyna, a restaurant line cook in Santa Ana, explained that they kept their children home to boycott and fully engage with the protest’s message. A similar sentiment echoed through California as families prioritized their collective cause over routine commitments.

Voices from the Protest

The streets on February 10, 2025, buzzed with emotion and energy as thousands of protesters from all walks of life raised their voices. In Los Angeles, Katherine Sanchez, an 18-year-old high school senior, held a sign that read, “Ur racism won’t end our strength.” She skipped class to join others in sending a message against anti-immigrant rhetoric. Meanwhile, in Santa Ana, 19-year-old Fernanda Hernandez led a group of friends, carrying a sign that boldly proclaimed, “My Parents Work Harder than Your President,” directly addressing frustrations with Donald Trump’s immigration stance.

In Chicago, protesters gathered outside Trump Tower, where Melanie, the daughter of undocumented immigrants, carried a sign reading, “Speaking out for immigrants who can’t!” Her message reflected the sentiment felt by many that day: immigrants are vital and often underappreciated contributors across all sectors of the economy.

Beyond Symbolism: A Stronger Message

While some questioned whether the protest would have a lasting economic impact, its organizers insisted that the key goal was to deliver a message of unity and purpose. Victor Narro of the UCLA Labor Center explained that the true power of protests like “A Day Without Immigrants” lies in making collective voices heard, rather than in immediate financial outcomes. By coming together, participants highlighted how essential immigrants are, especially at a time when the U.S. faces challenges such as a declining birth rate and an aging population.

Wendy Guardado, who played a role in organizing the protest, pointed out that 2025 was just the beginning. “We have four years of Trump ahead,” she remarked, implying that the February protest might inspire broader movements in the coming months and years.

Nationwide Unity in Action

The February 10 protest stood out not only for its scale but also for its ability to bring together people with different backgrounds and experiences. Cities like New York and Phoenix participated with unique momentum, and smaller communities matched their efforts. In Santa Ana, hundreds gathered at Sasscer Park and the Ronald Reagan Federal Courthouse. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, protests briefly shut down the 101 Freeway, garnering widespread attention.

The sense of unity extended to other immigrant supporters. Many allies who were not immigrants themselves joined to show solidarity for the cause. With chants, signs, and focused efforts, participants brought visibility to the vital role immigrants play in weaving the very fabric of American society.

Wrapping It Up

The 2025 “A Day Without Immigrants” made a striking statement with its extent and participation. From business closures to massive demonstrations, immigrants and their allies showcased their immense influence on the everyday life of the United States. Los Angeles and California at large served as central stages for many defining moments of the day, underlining just how intertwined immigrant contributions are with the state’s economy and culture.

While the protest may not have provided immediate solutions, it succeeded in its primary mission: to remind the country of the significance of its immigrant communities. As the nation continues to tackle its complex approach to immigration under the second Donald Trump administration, such movements may very well shape the direction of future policies. For now, “A Day Without Immigrants” stands as a memorable example of a community coming together to make its collective voice heard.

To learn more about immigration policies in the United States, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website at uscis.gov.

Learn Today

Immigration Policies → Rules and regulations set by a government to control the movement of people into a country.
Solidarity → Unity or agreement of feelings and actions among individuals with a shared interest or common cause.
Absentee Rate → The percentage of individuals, such as students, who are absent from work or school over a specified time.
Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric → Language or statements expressing opposition or hostility toward immigrants or immigration.
Economic Ripples → Indirect and widespread effects on the economy caused by a specific event or action.

This Article in a Nutshell

On February 10, 2025, the U.S. paused as “A Day Without Immigrants” protest highlighted their indispensable contributions. Businesses closed, schools emptied, and streets filled with demonstrators nationwide. From California to Tennessee, voices united against anti-immigrant policies, proving immigrants’ role as America’s backbone. This bold movement redefined solidarity and sparked national reflection.
— By VisaVerge.com