On February 3, 2025, communities across the United States are observing “A Day Without Immigrants,” a nationwide event designed to underscore the critical role immigrants play in the nation’s economy and everyday life. As part of the demonstration, Hispanic and Latino businesses are closing their doors, people are staying home from work and school, and others are engaging in peaceful protests.
The “Day Without Immigrants” movement first gained attention in 2006 and was again widely observed in 2017, coinciding with heightened concerns about immigration reform and deportation policies. This year’s observance comes amid ongoing protests against President Trump’s severe immigration policies, as noted by CBS News.
The 2025 demonstration highlights the contributions immigrants make to industries such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality. In addition, participants are using the platform to raise awareness about the challenges immigrants face, including the threat of deportation and limited access to healthcare and education.
Across the country, major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York have seen businesses shut down or operate with reduced hours to show solidarity with the movement. Several restaurants and small businesses in Chicago temporarily closed their doors, while New York City reported lower-than-usual attendance in local schools and businesses. In Los Angeles, reports indicate that several retail shops and eateries also paused their operations for the day.
Tamales Mary in Wyoming will join the protest by closing. Owner Mary Martinez explained to Yahoo! News that the closure aims to humanize the immigrant community and Hispanic business owners. “We are hard workers. We have support in this community. We have a business, we have a house, we have a good family, no bad record, so we are good people in this community … but afraid that this will go to another level,” she said.
Omar Corral, owner of La Michoacana Premium in Pilsen, stated, “We’re going to not show up to work, not open up our businesses to show how strong we are,” emphasizing the solidarity of immigrant entrepreneurs. Carmen Montoya, owner of Mis Tacos Mexican Food, shared, “Like me, there are many, many people that just need the opportunity to work without being afraid.” However, Jaime di Paulo, CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern that the movement could hurt more than help, saying, “We are the livelihoods of the community. If we go under, the community goes under,” and encouraged people to “open the stores and encourage people to shop local,” as reported by ABC7 News.
The event has sparked significant media coverage, with reports from multiple news outlets. These outlets have highlighted how the actions taken on this day serve as a reminder of the essential roles immigrants play in keeping the economy functioning, especially in sectors such as food production, transportation, and construction.
Though not without controversy, the “Day Without Immigrants” is an important opportunity to reflect on the value of immigrant labor and the need for immigration reforms that recognize this value. For many participants, the “Day Without Immigrants” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of immigrant communities in sustaining the economy. The movement emphasizes that immigrants are central to the daily functioning of American society and that their absence—even for a single day—can have a significant impact on local economies.
As discussions surrounding immigration continue in the U.S., events like the “Day Without Immigrants” play a critical role in initiating conversations about the country’s immigration policies. Advocates for immigrant rights hope that the 2025 demonstration will further highlight the contributions of immigrants and build momentum for reform that ensures equal protection under the law for all individuals.