If you head out to do some local shopping in the Sun City today, you may notice some of your favorite spots aren’t open or have severely limited hours.

Several small businesses across El Paso are participating in the National General Strike in protest of ICE policies and the current federal administration. For many owners, closing for the day or adjusting hours is a way to publicly align themselves with a broader national movement while encouraging conversation about immigration, labor, and community values. Supporters of the strike say it is meant to highlight how deeply immigrant labor and culture are woven into everyday American life, especially in border communities like El Paso.

While participation varies from business to business, the overall tone across the city has been focused on peaceful solidarity and community gathering. Some shops are using the moment not just as a protest, but as an opportunity to bring people together in creative ways. Local thrift shop Crooked Goods is hosting what they are calling a “Skate Out,” inviting residents who are observing the strike to spend the afternoon connecting with one another.

The event includes free food and drinks, live music, an art crawl, and a community clothes swap, creating a space that blends activism with celebration. Organizers say the goal is to offer a welcoming environment where people can relax, support local artists, and engage with neighbors while reflecting on the issues behind the strike. Events like this reflect a long tradition in El Paso of turning public moments into community-driven gatherings centered on art, mutual aid, and shared resources.

The Skate Out begins at 3 PM and runs until sundown at the Northeast Regional Skatepark. Whether residents are actively participating in the strike or simply curious about what is happening around the city, today’s closures and events offer a snapshot of how local businesses and artists are choosing to express civic engagement in their own way.

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