CITY OF SALT LAKEAs President Donald Trump continues to tighten down on illegal immigration, several Utah companies suspended operations Monday in support of immigrants.
According to Jesus Ruiz, owner of the Se or Pollo Mexican Grill chain of Mexican eateries in Utah, folks are feeling a little afraid of all that is going on. Simply put, we want to show our support for all immigrants by feeling their presence and lending a hand however we can.
As part of a statewide protest, a number of Latino-owned and run businesses were shut down Monday, including nine Rancho Markets and six Se or Pollo restaurants in Utah.
Proponents and organizers of Day Without Immigrants, or D a Sin Inmigrantes in Spanish, urged people to show their support by not going shopping and by keeping their kids home from school on Monday.
Eli Madrigal, a Mexican immigrant who operates Rancho Market, stated, “I want to support my community.” Speaking to the media, she said that terror is engulfing not just her staff but the entire immigrant community, as several other Latino company owners also closed their doors on Monday.
“Rancho Market is supporting this day of protest and standing in solidarity with our fellow immigrants due to the current federal political treatment of hardworking and law-abiding immigrants who are being unfairly treated,” the company wrote on its Facebook page. We think it’s important to support them since they offer vital services that make our lives easier.
Some schools experienced higher-than-normal absenteeism on Monday, according to officials from the Granite, Ogden, and Salt Lake school systems. District officials aren’t sure, though, if this was because the protest organizers’ social media posts urged attendees to keep their kids at home.
According to Yndary Chatwin, a representative for the Salt Lake City School District, there have been more absences than normal around the city. There is no way to be certain that it has anything to do with Day Without Immigrants calls.
Two weeks after Trump was sworn in for his second term, social media users announced the protest. Deporting illegal immigrants is a top priority for the president, who claims that they are a threat to public safety and a drain on US resources.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law enforcement agencies have stepped up their attempts to find, arrest, and deport illegal immigrants in cities around the nation as part of his crackdown.
Many in the immigrant community are still terrified and frightened, even though Utah and federal authorities haven’t given any concrete information regarding the scope of the state’s apprehension efforts.
The complicated problem, which is the subject of several bills put forth by Utah lawmakers that target illegal immigrants with criminal histories, prompted Madrigal to urge for more comprehensive immigration reform by federal lawmakers.
Others defended immigrants as hard workers and significant contributors to the US economy during Monday’s news conference, challenging what they regard as the myth that all immigrants are criminals.
According to Fernando Cano, proprietor of Loco Burger, which has restaurants in Kearns and Salt Lake City, it’s the same every four years. Persecution of Latinos occurs simply because they are Latino.
In fact, illegal immigration seemed to be the main objective of a masked number of protesters that showed up near the Herriman municipal building on Saturday, dressed in khaki pants and dark blue coats.
Participants described themselves as members of the Patriot Front, which the Anti-Defamation League views as a white nationalist group, and carried a sign that read Deport Invaders/Keep American American.
When questioned about the Herriman demonstration, Madrigal stated that it was more than just a worry; it was a disgrace to our nation.
Few specifics of Saturday’s event were given by Herriman’s spokesperson. He said, “As far as we know, it stayed peaceful and nothing illegal happened.”
Madrigal tells the immigrant community to carry on with their daily lives despite the commotion, doubts, and inquiries. Without fear, carry on with your everyday activities. Don’t be scared.
Don’t be afraid of people. According to her, we should keep working the same manner we have in recent years.
Other company owners that closed on Monday also shared their motivations on social media.
The anxiety that seems to be engulfing some people was addressed in a post on the Facebook page of unCafecito, a cafe in Salt Lake City. It is devastating for me as a first-generation American to witness the anxiety and uncertainty that our community is currently dealing with. According to unCafecito, we firmly believe that everyone is entitled to equality, decency, and the chance to prosper.
Don Daniels Mexican Grill and Cantina, Sinaloa Town, Catrachos Restaurant, and Victor’s Tires were among the other Utah establishments that shut down on Monday.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.