Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of downtown Los Angeles on February 3, 2025, to voice their opposition to President Trump’s immigration policies, marking a significant show of solidarity among immigrant communities. The protest, part of a nationwide movement dubbed "A Day Without Immigrants," aimed to highlight the vital contributions of immigrants to the economy and society while expressing concerns over recent executive actions that many see as hostile to immigrant rights.
The call for action spread rapidly through social media, encouraging individuals to abstain from work, keep children home from school, and refrain from shopping. Activists reported that nearly 250 businesses across the country closed in solidarity, while many others faced staffing shortages. In Los Angeles, the Abbey Food & Bar, a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub, had to shut its kitchen due to a lack of available staff.
Wendy Guardado, a Los Angeles activist and one of the event organizers, stated that the movement was just beginning. "There is so much more coming," she said, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant communities under the current administration. Guardado noted that some individuals were unable to participate due to financial constraints and the short notice of the protest.
In the Los Angeles Unified School District, attendance was notably low, with reports of empty classrooms. A teacher from Parmelee Avenue Elementary School indicated that nearly 60% of students were absent, with many parents citing the protest as the reason. Similar trends were observed in other districts, such as Inglewood and San Diego, where officials noted a higher-than-usual number of student absences.
The demonstration featured a diverse group of participants, including families, students, and community leaders. Signs bearing messages of unity and resistance filled the air, with one young protester holding a sign that read, "My Parents Work Harder than Your President." The atmosphere was charged with emotion as chants and bullhorns echoed through the streets, underscoring the urgency of their message.
In addition to Los Angeles, protests occurred in cities across the nation, including Santa Ana, where demonstrators gathered outside the Ronald Reagan federal courthouse. Many participants expressed a deep-seated desire for change, asserting that immigrants are integral to the fabric of American society. "We are part of this economy," said Reyna, a restaurant worker who chose to keep her children home from school to participate in the protest.
Experts noted that the impact of such mobilizations extends beyond immediate economic considerations. Victor Narro from the UCLA Labor Center highlighted that the growing reliance on immigrant labor is crucial for the country’s economic strength, especially as birth rates decline and the population ages.
As the protests unfolded, the message was clear: immigrant communities are determined to stand against policies they perceive as discriminatory and harmful. The events of February 3 served as both a rallying cry and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for immigrant rights in America. As participants returned home, many felt a renewed sense of purpose, ready to continue advocating for their rights and the rights of their communities in the face of adversity.