Ogden, UT – Several businesses across Utah participated in a nationwide protest on February 3, 2025, by closing their doors in solidarity with the immigrant community. The protest, a response to President Donald Trump’s recent immigration crackdown, saw businesses such as Rancho Markets, Señor Pollo Mexican Grill, House of Corn, and various Beto’s restaurants temporarily halting operations.
In a statement posted on social media, Rancho Markets expressed their disapproval of the federal government’s treatment of immigrants, emphasizing their support for the immigrant community. “Due to the current federal political treatment of hard-working and law-abiding immigrants, who are being unfairly treated, Rancho Markets is supporting this day of protest and standing in solidarity with our fellow immigrants,” the post read.
The closures are part of a larger, ongoing protest against the tightening of immigration policies that began during President Trump’s first term. Among the changes implemented by the administration were increased immigration arrests, military presence at the southern border, and efforts to end birthright citizenship. The latest protest was framed as part of the “Day Without Immigrants” (Día Sin Inmigrantes), an initiative aimed at highlighting the contributions of immigrants to American society and drawing attention to their struggles under the current administration.
While protests like these are not new, this marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding immigration reform. In 2017, a similar protest took place, with immigrants across the country skipping work and school to demonstrate against Trump’s proposed deportation policies. Now, nearly eight years later, businesses across Utah have once again joined the call for change.
One business, unCafecito, a Salt Lake City coffee shop, also participated in the protest, sharing an emotional message on social media. “As a first-generation American, it’s heartbreaking to witness the fear and uncertainty our community is facing right now. At unCafecito, we stand firm in our belief that everyone deserves equality, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive,” the coffee shop wrote.
The February 3 protest saw a wide array of local businesses take part, emphasizing the unity of the immigrant community in the face of policy changes that many feel are unjust. As the political landscape around immigration continues to shift, it is clear that Utah’s immigrant community—and the businesses that support them—are committed to standing up for their rights and drawing attention to their concerns.