'Day Without Immigrants' protest: Chicago business owners to close shops Monday; social media campaign calls for shopping strike
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — A unique demonstration this week involves businesses closing and people being encouraged to stay home from work and school to protest the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration.

Chicago business owners taking part in Monday’s protest and demonstration said it will be a way for them to show the power of the immigrant community.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

A sign hung outside a popular Southwest Side Mexican ice cream shop Sunday, letting patrons know the shop will be closed on Monday for a cause.

“A lot of community members and entrepreneurs decided to join this movement to support our people,” said Omar Corral, owner of La Michoacana Premium in Pilsen.

Corral is one of many Chicago businesses owners taking part in a “Day Without Immigrants,” a social media-driven campaign that calls on immigrants to stay home from work and school and to shut down businesses and refrain from shopping.

SEE ALSO | Thousands of anti-ICE protesters block freeway, streets in downtown Los Angeles

Corral, speaking in Spanish, posted a video on social media talking about why he is choosing to close up his shop for a day. The video has already garnered hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok.

The franchise owner said his shop will be one of more than 60 locations in Illinois and California taking part in the protest.

“We’re going to not show up to work, not open up our businesses to show how strong we are,” Corral said.

Carmen Montoya, owner of Mis Tacos Mexican Food in West Lawn, said she and her family decided to take part in the movement amid the growing fears within the Latino immigrant community.

“Like me, there are many, many people that just need the opportunity to work without being afraid,” Montoya said.

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

Supporters of the movement hope that the impact of the immigrant community will amplify their voices.

“We’re here to help and support everyone,” Montoya 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.”

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Rams’ 2025 season ends in NFC Championship heartbreak

Rams Fall Short in Thrilling 2025 NFC Championship Battle

Kobie Turner stood tall and composed at his locker, a picture of…
Self-described Antifa lunatic issues chilling call for 'armed' mob to end Minneapolis ICE operations 

Antifa Activist Urges Armed Protest Against ICE Operations in Minneapolis, Sparking Controversy and Concern

A self-proclaimed Antifa activist in Minneapolis has issued a stark appeal for…
California toddler falls out of moving car, mother charged

California Mother Faces Charges After Toddler Accidentally Falls from Moving Vehicle

A shocking incident unfolded at a bustling intersection in Fullerton, California, where…
Family distraught after Canadian doctor euthanized man, 26

Tragic Controversy: Family Heartbroken as 26-Year-Old Man Euthanized by Canadian Doctor Sparks Ethical Debate

A Canadian family is grappling with profound grief and frustration following the…
Robot snow plow: Viral video shows autonomous Yarbo blower at work in Chester, New Jersey

Watch a Robot Snow Plow in Action: Yarbo Blower Clears Snow in Chester, NJ

CHESTER, New Jersey — As snow blanketed New Jersey, a resident of…
Anti-ICE agitators arrested outside Minnesota hotel as police declare unlawful assembly: 'No longer peaceful'

Unlawful Assembly Declared as Anti-ICE Protestors Arrested Outside Minnesota Hotel

On Monday, police in Minnesota began arresting protesters outside a hotel after…
Police investigate VCU nurse who instructed 'sabotage' of ICE agents in viral TikTok videos

VCU Nurse Under Investigation for Allegedly Encouraging ‘Sabotage’ of ICE Agents in Viral TikTok Videos

The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health system, in collaboration with the VCU…
Autopsies show Bryan Kohberger stabbed Idaho victims 150 times

Shocking Autopsy Revelation: Idaho Victims Suffered 150 Stab Wounds in Bryan Kohberger Case

Chilling revelations have come to light regarding the last moments of Bryan…