Small businesses across Northeast Ohio closed or repurposed their spaces in response to ICE’s actions and recent deaths in Minneapolis.
CLEVELAND — A national economic boycott protesting recent ICE actions made its way to Cleveland on Friday — and dozens of small businesses took part, each in their own way.
Some shut down for the day. Others stayed open but turned their shops into community spaces or donation hubs, hoping to show solidarity while still supporting their customers.
Lakewood coffee shop turns counter into donation hub
At Roasted Lakewood, owner Sofia Syed chose to participate by raising money for the Immigrant Defense Project. Syed couldn’t afford to close for the day, but she offered to match all donations through the weekend — a move that customers quickly embraced.
“It really shows you how fast this all came together,” Syed said.
By midday, tip jar was already filling up, something Syed says reflects how quickly Clevelanders rallied behind the cause.
“It’s so nice to see the support,” she added.
Bookstore becomes a community resource center
Just a few blocks away, Flame and Fable, a small independent bookstore, stayed open but redesigned its space for the boycott. Owner Nicki Louie set up letter-writing stations, QR codes to contact representatives, and “red cards” that explain legal rights during ICE encounters.
Louie said watching other businesses take a stand motivated her to act as well.
“It’s really heartwarming to see all these businesses kind of stand up together… when you see one or two of your neighbors doing something, you feel like you want to be a part of it.”
Some businesses showed support by closing
In Cleveland Heights, Phoenix Coffee on Coventry closed its doors after baristas collectively decided to call in sick. Manager Morgan Fox said the action was organized entirely by employees.
“We came to the decision that we would all call in sick today… we’re all sick, and we’re sick of what’s happening across the country,” Fox said.
He added that while closing for a day may inconvenience some customers, the message behind it mattered more.
“We’re not trying to punish local Cleveland residents… there’s something bigger than business happening right now.”
Stores across Cleveland take part
From Centro Villa 25 and Mac’s Backs, to The Judith, and small family-owned shops like Holyland International Imports, Cleveland businesses joined the national boycott through closures, donation drives, and community events.
