A 'Day Without Immigrants' Chicago: Business owners across city close Monday to protest President Trump's immigration policies
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — Closed signs are on several businesses up and down Cermak Road Monday.

It’s to protest the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration. It’s called a “Day Without Immigrants”.

Chicago business owners taking part in the protest say this is their way of showing the power of the immigrant community.

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.

He’s joining more than 60 businesses in Illinois and California taking part in a “Day without Immigrants.”

“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.

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

This demonstration comes as advocates 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.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Stream It Or Skip It?

Should You Watch It or Pass?

Nick Frost and Aisling Bea (known from This Way Up) play parents…
Democrat congressman Suhas Subramanyam dragged for ‘weird’ TikTok ‘aura farming’ trend video

Democratic Congressman Suhas Subramanyam Criticized for Unusual TikTok ‘Aura Farming’ Trend Video

Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat from Virginia, participated in TikTok’s “aura farming”…
Eswatini's King Mswati III addresses the Climate Action Summit in the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters, Sept. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow, File)

The United States Redirects Deported Individuals to Eswatini, a Small African Country

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — The United States has sent five…
Crypto bills stall amid GOP infighting, leaving House in limbo

Cryptocurrency Legislation Delayed Due to GOP Disagreements, Stalling House Progress

The House floor was locked at a standstill Wednesday afternoon as a…
President Donald Trump attends the UFC-316 mixed martial arts event, at the Prudential Center, Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Newark, N.J., as UFC's Dana White, looks on. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

‘UFC Chief Claims Fighters Are Eager to Join White House Event’

(The Hill) Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) chief Dana White said over the…
'Harry Potter' star Emma Watson banned from driving for six months after speeding in UK

‘Emma Watson, ‘Harry Potter’ Star, Faces Six-Month Driving Ban in the UK for Speeding’

Former “Harry Potter” star Emma Watson has been banned from driving for…
Video: Rare 'apex predator' orcas spotted off Hawaii coast

Video: Uncommon Orcas, Top Ocean Predators, Seen Near Hawaii Shore

WAIKIKI (KHON) — A rare encounter was caught on camera off the…
St. Louis father of sex crime victim refused hush money, now dead

St. Louis Father Who Turned Down Hush Money in Sex Crime Case Found Dead

Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of child abuse that may be…