In a powerful display of unity and resistance, over 50 immigrant-owned businesses across St. Louis, including 20 restaurants, have closed their doors from Feb. 11 to 18 for a week as part of the national A Week Without Immigrants strike. The movement, which has gained traction across the country, seeks to highlight the vital role immigrants play in the local economy, particularly within the hospitality industry.
Gabby M., one of many organizers of the strike in St. Louis, emphasized the message behind the movement: “When Trump took office, many undocumented immigrants felt vulnerable to his mass deportation orders. However, this sparked a sense of resilience and determination within our community. We continued to contribute to this country, despite the challenges we faced.” By pausing operations, businesses hope to send a clear message to policymakers: Immigration policies that separate families and disrupt communities are not just inhumane – they have a profound economic impact.
One of the businesses leading the charge is La Tejana Taqueria, a well-established restaurant owned by Antonio Garcia. Garcia, an American citizen, did not hesitate to take a stand. “We do not tolerate racial profiling of any kind. As an American citizen, I just can’t stand by and be silent. This is my community,” he said. “We’ve been in this business for 18 years, and we’ve seen generations of Latino families grow up. They aren’t criminals – they are students, workers, business owners. They are the backbone of the hospitality industry.”
Garcia’s decision to close La Tejana for the week was not without financial implications, but he and other participating business owners deemed the sacrifice necessary. “Yes, we will lose money, but the bottom line is, we will gain peace of mind for a week and be stress-free – not because we are illegal, but because we are being racially profiled,” Garcia explained. His restaurant has a financial safety net to cover employee wages, and he sees the closure as an investment in the broader fight for immigrant rights.
Beyond the economic impact, the strike has drawn widespread support from customers and the larger St. Louis community. Many regular patrons of La Tejana and other participating restaurants have expressed their solidarity, with some moved to tears. “We have had customers come in, expressing their disappointment in what our community is dealing with,” Garcia shared. “The response from the non-Latino community has been especially powerful – that’s what keeps us going.”
The movement gained rapid momentum thanks to grassroots organizing efforts. Gabby M. initially created a flyer calling for participation, and within minutes, it had been shared hundreds of times online. “As local businesses like La Tejana, La Vecindad and La Manganita joined the movement, it sparked a wave of support from others,” she said. “It just goes to show the power and solidarity of our community in St. Louis.”
While the strike serves as a moment of protest, both Gabby M. and Garcia see it as part of a larger movement. “We hope this movement inspires other cities and states to join and fight for a better tomorrow,” Gabby M. stated. La Tejana, meanwhile, is already looking ahead. “We’ve formed a Latino committee to continue this movement,” Garcia said. “They will educate our community on immigration reform, their rights and any other issues our community might face.”
In addition to advocacy efforts, Garcia and his committee have taken direct action to support those affected by the strike. They have started collecting food, water, diapers and other essentials for individuals and families who may be struggling financially due to fear of going to work. Donations can be delivered to Mariscos El Malecon locations, where the restaurant also hosts weekly committee meetings to address community challenges.
As the week progresses, the impact of A Week Without Immigrants will become clearer, but for those participating, the significance is already deeply felt. “We are more than just workers – we are people who have built lives here, who have families, who contribute every day to the success of this country,” Gabby M. said. “Now, we are asking for that to be recognized.”
For more information on how to support the movement or learn about upcoming actions, follow local advocacy groups such as Manos Unidas STL on Facebook or visit participating businesses’ social media pages.
This article appears in January/February 2025.