February 5, 2025
Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief
Content warning: this article discusses violence against immigrants and children
Monday, Feb. 3, saw advocates across the state of Oregon — as well as the rest of the country — join together in protest to highlight the hard work of immigrants in America. Businesses closed, civilians marched and noise was made, with many protesters flocking to the streets. The protests saw increased engagement following President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigrants in America, with many communities across the county witnessing deportation trucks in their neighborhoods.
The campaign, “Day Without Immigrants,” largely criticizes Trump’s mass deportation plan, following his attempts to end birthright citizenship and working to end the temporary citizenship granted to many immigrants to work in the United States. Advocates did not attend school nor work, boycotting businesses in an effort to showcase the impact and importance of immigrants. Many businesses closed in solidarity.
A major highway in Los Angeles, California, was closed down due to a massive march — igniting further protests in solidarity across America. More than 250 businesses were closed in Los Angeles during “Day Without Immigrants.”
District data recorded general Los Angeles school attendance from 93% on average for the year down to 63% for Monday, Feb. 3 — hundreds of students.
The “Day Without Immigrants” protest first occurred in 2017, following newly-elected President Trump’s insistence on building a wall along the United States’ southern border. Students were encouraged to stay home, while advocates boycotted businesses and did not go to work. Previously, a 2006 strike followed former President George W. Bush’s immigration reform plans, modeled similarly to “Day Without Immigrants.”
Despite Trump’s consistent assurance that only illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds will face deportation, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed that all illegal immigrants are criminals, considering their mere presence in the country to be against the law.
Media reports indicate an unknown, but large, number of deportations since Trump was reintegrated into office — somewhere between hundreds and thousands, children included.
Many businesses, however, could not close despite heavy hearts and desires to join in on the protests. Disadvantaged business owners and employees risk losing financial stability by closing, tied in with fear of ICE raids, leaving many immigrants scared to leave their homes and workplaces. Additionally, some feared denying their communities necessary resources, such as grocery stores, and decided to stay in operation.
Portland, Oregon, saw dozens of protesters along Stark Street, showcasing signs, flags and posters.
Contact the author at howleditorinchief@wou.edu
