A number of bars and restaurants across the San Diego region showed support Friday for a “national shutdown” protesting the recent federal crackdown on immigration.
“The terror that has occurred in our communities across the nation has been absolutely heartbreaking,” said an Instagram post from Public Square Coffee in La Mesa. “As San Diegans we know better than anyone: immigrants are what make this city great. They make this nation great. We stand with them today and denounce the violent and inhumane actions that continue to be perpetuated in our cities.”
The nationwide strike, organized on nationalshutdown.org by students at the University of Minnesota, called for supporters to stay home from work and school and to avoid shopping on Jan. 30. It follows a general strike that took place in Minnesota last Friday.
Protesters call for nationwide strike against Trump’s immigration policies
“The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the whole country – to stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN,” the campaign website says.
While it was business as usual at some San Diego spots, others, including many coffee shops, were voicing and showing solidarity. Mujeres Brew House in Logan Heights announced Thursday that it would be closed Friday to support protesters and organizers in Minnesota and beyond.
“What’s happening right now with ICE and immigrants and the way that it’s being handled is absolutely awful,” owner Carmen A. Velasco said. “It’s only right to participate in something that is within reason for us as a business and within our community.”
Velasco said that the decision was personal to her, as a daughter of immigrants, and that she consulted her staff, collaborators and community supporters before announcing the closure. The ability of San Diego’s hospitality industry to organize and respond comes from resilience built through surviving the pandemic, she said.
“We’ve been going through so much in the last five years in general and now to be faced with the economy and now this ordeal of immigration — I think immigration affects not just businesses but specifically the restaurant industry.” she said. “A lot of businesses have immigrant employees. They just do.”
Many businesses, including Mujeres Brew House, posted about how difficult the decision was to make, citing reasons such as workers missing out on tips on a busy Friday night or having too small of a margin to sit out for a single day. For some restaurants, the choice was to voice support but remain open.
“Today we stand with our friends and neighbors, and our San Diego immigrant community affected by the events unfolding around us,” said a post from North Park Beer Co. “To support our staff and their families, and continue showing up for our neighbors, we will remain open. Our space has always been about building community, and today is no different. If what you need in this moment is a place to land in good company, we’ll be here.”
Some shops announced that they would be donating some or all of Friday’s proceeds to organizations supporting immigrants.
“As a small business in this very volatile climate, we will be open Friday to support our team and keep focused on keeping our community afloat,” said a post from Heartwork Coffee in Mission Hills. “We will be donating 50% of our sales to San Diego Rapid Response Network. Please bring cash so more funds are funneled to the people doing the very hard work.”
“Rich’s will stay open with a purpose,” the nightclub Rich’s San Diego posted Friday, saying 100% of sales will go to the ACLU.
Mielimon Bakery in Carmel Mountain Ranch said 100% of sales on Friday and Saturday will be donated to Border Angels.
Some bars and restaurants even adjusted their menus to make a statement.
“If you’re looking for a way to support or just connect with the community, our doors will be open,” Fernside stated on Instagram.
The restaurant renamed a slushee on its menu to protest ICE and said 100% of sales from that drink will be donated to the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund.
“This was not an easy decision, but ultimately, the one we had to make,” Fernside posted on Instagram. “Fernside stands in solidarity with Minnesota and all communities being terrorized by ICE. Including our own.”