Day Without Migrants: Strike Protests in New York City Close Some Businesses

Some New York City businesses were closed on February 3 as part of the Day Without Immigrants, a nationwide protest strike that calls on the public to pay attention to their role in the US economy, reports DailyNews.

Many stores along Port Richmond Ave. in Staten Island were closed, including Home Furnishings Depot. A sign on the closed gate of the business read, “Support the immigrant community, together we will never be defeated.”

"We stand together"

The furniture store employees opened as usual on the morning of February 3. But owner Eitan Elul told them to close and join the protest.

"My boss decided to close the store," said Lenny Flores, one of the employees. "He employs immigrants. He's very involved in what's going on, in the community."

“Business has been really bad lately because people are scared and we live in a predominantly Latino neighborhood,” Elul explained. “I’m still hiring them every day, trying to keep them going. They’ve gotten pretty down.”

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Elul said he did not know until the morning of February 3 that it was the Day without migrantsHe quickly became convinced that his employees had joined the protest.

“Even though I’m not Latino, I’m still connected to everyone,” Elul noted. “We stand together.”

San Jeronimo Deli & Grocery also had a bright yellow sign hanging on its gate.

In Spanish, it stated why the store would be closed on February 3.

"Join the peaceful protest regarding the immigration problem that has arisen in the country and the rising prices of Mexican products. All of this will affect both businesses and consumers. Let's unite for one day!" the sign read.

The Mexico In My Pocket gift shop in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, was also closed.

“Closed today due to No Migrants Day,” the owners announced on a sign on the front door.

Several stores were closed on Fourth Avenue in Sunset Park.

"We are closed today, February 3rd, in support of all our immigrants who are fighting for our rights," warned a sign on the door of Miriam's Flower Shop.

Protest organizers called on immigrants to give up work, shopping and studying.

“Let’s raise our voices for our rights and our families,” reads a post on the platform’s Instagram.

The protest took place against the backdrop of the resumption of ICE raids in New York and other parts of the country since US President Donald Trump took office last month.

The previous Day Without Migrants protest took place on February 17, 2017, immediately after Trump first took office as US President.