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Chicago Businesses Close in ‘Day Without Immigrants’ Protest
February 4, 2025
CHICAGO - Chicago saw widespread business closures on February 3, 2025, as part of the nationwide “Day Without Immigrants” protest. The demonstration, aimed at highlighting the economic and social contributions of immigrants, led to temporary shutdowns across the city, particularly in Latino neighborhoods like Little Village.
The protest saw lower participation than in 2017, when over 50 restaurants closed. However, many businesses still chose to stand in solidarity, despite financial risks. In addition to closures, many immigrant workers opted to stay home, and some parents kept children out of school to emphasize the role of immigrants in daily life.
Organized largely through social media, the movement gained traction as concerns over immigration enforcement and federal policies grew. While some businesses had already planned to close on Monday, others took an active stance, underscoring the ongoing uncertainty facing immigrant communities.
The impact of the protest was felt across Chicago’s restaurant industry, with notable closures in key immigrant hubs. While the scale of participation fluctuated, the message remained clear—immigrants are a crucial part of the city’s economy and culture.
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