Immigrant solidarity grows as Seattle-area businesses close for 'A Day Without Immigrants' movement
SEATTLE, Wash. - February 3 marks "A Day Without Immigrants," a nationwide movement meant to underscore the critical role immigrants play in the United States and protest anti-immigrant policies.
People across the country are taking part by skipping work, school, and even shopping to draw attention to the challenges faced by immigrant communities.
In solidarity with the movement, local businesses on Capitol Hill, like Fogon and El Lugar, have closed their doors to give the public a glimpse of what a day without immigrants might look like. Many employees were encouraged to stay home on Monday in support.
Local perspective:
Walking through Seattle's metro area, shoppers like Luz Rodriguez from the Tri-Cities were met with a "Closed for A Day Without Immigrants" sign outside Easy Street Records in West Seattle.
"We are closing today on February 3, 2025, in solidarity with the Immigrant Movement," Rodriguez said as she read the sign posted on the store's door.
Rodriguez, a 28-year U.S. resident originally from Michoacán, Mexico, is all too familiar with the issues facing migrant communities in the country. She praised the record store for its support.
"I felt so happy about it," Rodriguez said. "It means a lot that this store, like these types of businesses, are showing their love for our people, and they're doing the support."
The movement, which gained momentum through social media, has resonated with numerous local businesses. TheCrew Cleaning Services in Enumclaw suspended its services, stating, "Immigrants are the backbone of many industries, small businesses, and the economy as a whole."
Several Seattle-area restaurants and bars, such as La Josies Bar, Fogon, and El Lugar, have also joined in the closure to stand in solidarity.
Andres Arias, the owner of Taqueria El Ranchito in Kent, took action by closing his kitchen for the day.
"It is ugly to see families hiding, stopping working, stopping going out, not sending their children to school for fear that they will feel like they are being persecuted. That is not life," Arias said.
Arias pointed out the economic and social impact of immigrants in the U.S., saying "We are a very important social and economic force in the country."
By the numbers:
Data from the American Immigration Council shows that in 2022, there were 1,188,357 immigrants in Washington State. Of those, more than 770,000 resided in the Seattle metro area, contributing $31 billion in spending power and paying $12.7 billion in taxes.
Alonoia, a local resident who also spotted the record store's signs told FOX 13, "If they are willing to pay taxes and help support the economy, they should stay here."
"A Day Without Immigrants" was also held in February 2017, when many walked off their jobs to protest former President Trump’s immigration policies. The aim was to show the significant contributions immigrants make to American society, as well as to call for change in immigration laws.
That movement was also coordinated at the last moment, and many workers lost their jobs.
When asked about the role of immigrants, Arias was clear.
"Everything. If you go to the fields you will see pure Hispanics where grapes and apples are harvested. And you go to the doctor, you will also see Hispanics. We are already everywhere," he said.
While the long-term impact of today’s movement is yet to be seen, business owners like Andres Arias remain committed to supporting immigrants. Despite the financial burden, he hopes the movement will make an impact on the Trump administration and future policies.
"We must not bow our heads, much less live in fear," he said.
As the movement gains attention, many hope today’s actions will bring lasting change for immigrant communities in the United States.
"We put our lives, our hearts, our effort, our families grow here. We have so much value," Rodriguez said.
The Source: Information in this story is from FOX 13 Seattle reporting.
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