Multiple DeKalb County area businesses announced plans to close for a day Monday in solidarity with Day Without Immigrants, a national campaign meant to show the importance of immigrant communities.
The announcements came weeks into President Donald Trump’s second term, where sweeping immigration policies have caused uncertainty in DeKalb County and upheaval across the nation.
As Trump’s administration entered its third week, businesses in DeKalb, Sycamore and Genoa, among others, are taking a stand.
Some businesses posted announcements via social media Sunday, including Andale Taco Shop, 202 E. State St., Sycamore. Many announcements told customers the businesses would close Monday and reopen Tuesday.
“This day serves as a reminder of the invaluable contributions immigrants make to our society, workforce, and local businesses,” staff at Andale Taco Shop wrote on social media. “We appreciate your understanding and support. Our commitment to Sycamore, DeKalb, and the surrounding areas remains strong, and we proudly give back to our schools, churches, and local charities that make our community thrive.”
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During his first week in office, Trump signed 10 executive orders on immigration and issued a slew of edicts to carry out promises of mass deportations and border security, The Associated Press reported. Some actions were felt immediately. Others face legal challenges. Some may take years to happen, if ever, but have generated fear in immigrant communities.
Trump announced plans to send federal immigration agents to Chicago and other Democrat-led cities to make good on campaign promises he’d said would tighten U.S. borders.
In its own Facebook announcement, El Jimador, 260 E. Lincoln Highway, in downtown DeKalb, announced a Monday closure “in solidarity with our community.”
[ DeKalb police don’t enforce federal immigration laws, city manager says ]
Many of the announcements declared the Monday closures were to support immigrant and Latino communities, which have been targeted in recent days under Trump’s federal policies.
Nina’s Taco Shop, 122 E. Page St., Sycamore, thanked customers for their understanding.
“This day is dedicated to recognizing and honoring the invaluable contributions of immigrants to our community and country,” Nina’s Taco Shop staff wrote on social media. “We appreciate your understanding and support as we stand in solidarity with this important movement and the Latino community.”
DeKalb Fresh Market, 615 Oak St., will close Monday “due to us participating in a peaceful protest to support our Hispanic community and immigrant community,” a social media post reads.
Rivers’ Mexican Cantina & Grill, 407 Sycamore Road, Genoa, will close to join “fellow Latino owned businesses, employees and customers in a silent solidarity movement,” according to social media.
“Over the past 7 years we’ve aimed to provide a quality menu, amazing service, and a family friendly experience.” Rivers’ business owners wrote on social media. “In return, my family would appreciate your continual support and the gesture of respect during these times of uncertainty for many of our community members and small businesses. Gracias amigos!”
The Day Without Immigrants campaign also encourages protests by staying home from school or refusing to purchase items from major corporations.
“Make your absence noted,” staff at Mi Tierra Fresh Market read in Spanish in a Facebook live video Jan. 31.
Other local businesses that announced plans to close Monday include:
- Flamingos Restaurant and Ice Cream, 1029 Pleasant St., DeKalb
- Burritoville, 1026 W. Hillcrest Dr., DeKalb
- Mi Tierra Fresh Market, 124 E. Hillcrest Dr., DeKalb
- Tamalos Los Girasoles, 4199 Illinois Route 38, Malta
- Los Rancheros of DeKalb, 2350 Sycamore Road, DeKalb
- El Jimador, 260 E. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb
- DeKalb Fresh Market, 615 Oak St., DeKalb
- Paraiso Minimarket, 418 N. 10th St., DeKalb
- Los 3 Burritos DeKalb, 185 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb
- Andale Taco Shop, 202 E. State St., Sycamore
- Nina’s Taco Shop, 122 E. Page St., Sycamore
- Beltran Kustomz, 1013 Oak St., DeKalb
- La Salsa, 901 Lucinda Ave., Suite B, DeKalb
- DeKalb Wireless, 121 S. Fourth St., DeKalb
This story could be updated.
