Baltimore Restaurants Close For 'Day Without Immigrants' Protest

BALTIMORE, MD - Showing support for the national "Day Without Immigrants" protest, several restaurants in Charm City are closed on Thursday, Feb. 16.

Ekiben will not be serving customers at 1622 Eastern Avenue, a move many other businesses nationwide are making Thursday to show they are against President Donald Trump's immigration policies.

"As immigrants and the sons of immigrants, the three owners of Ekiben have chosen to stand in solidarity with those affected by recent laws limiting immigration to our great country. That is all. We hope our customers and our city can understand and respect this choice," the Asian fusion restaurant posted on its Facebook page.

Other restaurants closed for the occasion on Thursday: Bar Vasquez, Cinghiale and Petit Louis.

Alma Cocina Latina, Cafe Cito, the Charleston, Johnny's, the Local Fry and Sweet 27 Bakery are also participating in the boycott, according to Baltimore Magazine.

Organizers for the Day Without Immigrants protest are urging immigrants to the United States to skip class, call out of work and abstain from spending money Thursday to make clear they do not support Trump's immigration policies. Since taking office, Trump has signed executive orders establishing the creation of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and cutting off federal grant money to "sanctuary cities," jurisdictions where local governments do not enforce federal immigration laws.

In Washington, D.C., more than 30 restaurants are closing as part of the boycott. Businesses in Chicago, Minneapolis and Austin, Texas, are also participating.

A Day Without Immigrants march is also planned in Baltimore at 1 p.m. on Thursday at the Creative Alliance at 3134 Eastern Avenue. Participants will walk to Patterson Park during the demonstration.

There was a march in Highlandtown Sunday as well, according to The Baltimore Sun, which reported a councilman said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials should "get out of Baltimore."

— With reporting by Patch editor Joe Vince.

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