Trump wants to send 30,000 unauthorized migrants to Guantanamo Bay
President Donald Trump says to house up to 30,000 unauthorized migrants at Guantanamo Bay for being in the U.S illegally.
Businesses nationwide are participating in ‘Day Without Immigrants,‘ closing their doors or giving employees paid time off on Monday in solidarity with the community targeted by President Donald Trump‘s policies and to highlight their input to everyday society, according to reports.
CBS News reported that participants encourage people not to shop, go to school or work in their respective communities. on Feb. 3. The day follows Trump’s recent executive orders on immigration, including one that could end birthright citizenship, opposing the 14th Amendment. It also comes amid growing fears of ongoing raids from ICE, according to the report.
In the first days of his second term, Trump also signed the Laken Riley Act, which urges immigration officers to detain unauthorized immigrants when arrested for crimes like burglary, theft, larceny, and shoplifting or assaulting a law enforcement officer. An individual does not have to be convicted of the crime in court, only accused of one, to be detained and deported.
D.C. and several states are participating ‘to make their voices heard’
Multiple businesses in the greater Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia area are participating in the demonstration, including La Casita Pupuseria, a multi-location Salvadoran restaurant in Maryland.
“Our Latino community is the heart of our businesses and an integral part of this country,” the statement on social media said. “Today, we take a moment to reflect on their importance, their effort, and their daily contribution. It is a time to come together, raise our voices, and show the value of our people.”
Other Maryland eateries joining the movement are El Golfo in Silver Spring, Los Chorros in Wheaton, and Rio Grande Bar and Grill in Germantown. NBC Washington reported that Tex-Mex restaurant Republic Cantina and Pearl’s Bagels are closed.
“Our staff will receive a paid day off in order to make their voices heard and stress the importance of immigrants to our community and local economy,” the bagel shop wrote on its Instagram story.
In Oklahoma, several restaurants have announced closures, including restaurants owned by Good Egg Dining, according to The Oklahoman, part of USA TODAY Network.
“Our industry, our restaurants, and our communities are built on the hard work, passion, and dedication of immigrants. They are the backbone of our kitchens, our service, and our culture. Today, we stand with them,” reads a social media post shared by the group’s restaurants.
Businesses in Colorado, Minnesota, and Illinois are reportedly following suit, according to reports. Speaking to WLS, Carmen Montoya, the owner of a Chicago Mexican restaurant, told the news station that “there are many, many people that need the opportunity to work without being afraid.”
The day was also recognized in 2017
This is not the first time a protest over immigration laws while Trump was in office. Across the country in 2017, businesses like law offices and grocery stores shut their doors for the day, students skipped classes, people participated in public marches, and some employees opted out of work.
Contributing: Joey Garrison and Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY; Josh Kelly, The Oklahoman
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.