Houston restaurants joined the nationwide ‘Day Without Immigrants’ protest Monday, closing their doors to emphasize the vital role of immigrant workers. Popular spots like TJ Birria Y Mas and Cochinita & Co. participated in the demonstration following weekend immigration protests.
As part of the worldwide "Day Without Immigrants," several Houston eateries shuttered Monday to highlight the vital contribution immigrants make to the American workforce. Originally started in 2017, the campaign gathered fresh impetus among demonstrations against Trump's immigration policy.
Local favorites TJ Birria Y Mas, Cochinita & Co., and Space City Birria closed in sympathy with the protest, which advised immigrants to avoid working, going to school, or shopping. Business owners stressed their support for workers and immigrants.
The owner of TJ Birria Y Mas, Jesse Esparza, stated he decided to close all five of his outlets after worker conversations. Esparza and his wife decided to help the cause and compensated workers for the day off despite the short notice.
Monday's boycott sprang from Sunday's demonstrations in Houston, including a sizable gathering in Hermann Park. Closures were reported in California, Illinois, Minnesota, Washington, and D.C., the demonstration went beyond Texas.
Business owners and employees are both utilizing group action to raise their voices in the continuous dialog as immigration laws continue to ignite national debate.
