Protesters march, Detroit-area businesses close to support 'Day Without Immigrants'

Mexicantown businesses shutter in support of protest

DETROIT – Signs which read "closed in support of protests" will be common Thursday in Detroit's Mexicantown. 

It's part of a nationwide protest called a "Day Without Immigrants." This is a grassroots movement protesting President Donald Trump's immigration policies and highlighting contributions of the United States' immigrant community. 

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Detroit in support of immigrants, marching down Vernor Highway.

The E & L Supermercado is one of the businesses closed in Mexicantown. The Mexicantown Bakery is another. There will be dozens of businesses closed in the neighborhood. 

On Wednesday in Milwaukee, 150 businesses were closed as thousands of people marched. 

In 2015, 7.1 million U.S. restaurant workers were immigrants. In 2014, 1.1 million of those workers were undocumented, according to a PEW Research study. Only the construction industry has more undocumented workers than the restaurant industry. 

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About the Author:

Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.