Day Without Immigrants: Portland Restaurants Close In Solidarity

"I am a Mexican born - naturalized US citizen, but I carry my roots and values very deeply," Maria Garcia, owner of Revolucion Coffee House, wrote on Thursday. "It is very upsetting and heart breaking to see what is happening nationally, all the actions taken so aggressively against immigrants in the court house, airports, schools... everywhere.

"Every day my paisanos are getting deported, leaving their kids behind with a very uncertain future."

Garcia, who shut her business on Thursday to honor the day without immigrants said that any of her customers are students at Portland State University who are here because of DACA - Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

"I see their young faces worried about their future," says Garcia.

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Garcia was just one of several business owners - many of which were restaurants - to close their doors on Thursday as part of a nationwide protest.

Por Que No closed both of their outlets but told employees that they will still be paid for the day.

They also announced that they are donating a share of their sales from this weekend to the ACLU.

At Du's Grill, a handwritten sign said they are closed Thursday.

"As a show of support, we will be closed," the restaurant posted on its Facebook page. "My employees are the backbone of my business. I could not run this store without them!"

Mother's Bistro and Bar stayed said they stayed open Thursday at the request of employees and will match the earnings of all employees who work and donate the money to Causa Oregon, which helps protect immigrant rights.

Isabel Pearl, on Northwest 10th, got some pushback on its Facebook page, which they took in stride, telling critics to still come on by when they reopen.

Garcia - from Revolucion - says that the efforts have to go beyond just one day.

She hosts a 'social justice brunch' on the second Saturday of every month and donates the percentage of sale to a social justice organization.

"I know the importance of been involved in the community," she said. "I support good causes, I support free speech, I support immigrants right, LGTB rights, I extend my support any way I can, this Thursday will not be the exception."