'A Day Without Immigrants' protests and business closures in Chicago in opposition to Trump policies

Stephanie Wade Image
Monday, February 3, 2025
Protests and business closures for 'A Day Without Immigrants'
Businesses closed, shoppers stayed home and protesters took to the streets for "A Day Without Immigrants," protesting Pres. Donald Trump's tariffs and immigration policy.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Businesses closed, shoppers stayed home, and protesters took to the streets in the Chicago area and across the country as part of the "Day Without Immigrants" protesting President Donald Trump's administration and immigration policy.

Chicago business owners taking part in the protest said it's their way of showing the power of the immigrant community.

In West Chicago, a group tried to make the community see and feel exactly what it would be like if there were no immigrants living here.

"I'm out here supporting my family, supporting my people," said protester Christopher Montoya.

William Antonio skipped classes at Aurora University. The political science major instead got some real-life education on the topic.

"I decided not to go to school today so I could be here with everyone else to show we're not afraid, we're a community. We all come together in these times," he said.

SEE ALSO | Chicago's first hybrid elected school board meeting focuses on ICE, student safety

Omar Corral posted a sign outside his popular Southwest Side Mexican ice cream shop La Michoacana Premium letting patrons know it will be closed Monday for a cause.

"Me as an entrepreneur, to show support for my Latino community," Corral said. "Be the voice for the people that don't have one and together, we definitely, we're bigger. Together, we make things happen, make a change."

The social-media-driven campaign calls on immigrants to stay home from work and school shut down businesses and refrain from shopping.

Some business leaders say the protestors are doing more harm than good to some of the businesses they work for our patronize, and one Trump supporter in West Chicago had a message for the protesters there.

"I'm telling ya, there's a new sheriff in town and we ain't putting up with the (bleep)," said the man, who did not share his name.

But the protesters believe it's more important to show their strength.

"To show them we're not afraid and we know our rights," said organizer Isaac Delgado.

"I'm here representing my family, my roots, my culture and traditions. We're here to stay," said protester Melanie Coss.

Advocates continue to rail against immigration crackdowns that have been in effect since President Donald Trump took office.

"We decided to close because we want United States to know why is important to have immigrants. Immigrants that are working, paying taxes, doing good things for United States, not bad things," Carmen Montoya of Mis Tacos said.

President and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Jaime di Paulo, said while he understands the passion behind the protest, he fears it could hurt more than help.

"We are the livelihoods of the community. If we go under, the community goes under," di Paulo said. "We've seen it in many areas in the city of Chicago, so I encourage people to do what they want to do, but if they ask me, they should open the stores and encourage people to shop local."

The chamber president believes people should not act out of fear, but rather strategize to help support local businesses, which he says have been losing money in the wake of new immigration policies.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.