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Hundreds of people packed Redwood City’s Courthouse Square on Monday for “Day Without Immigrants,” a nationwide protest highlighting the essential role of immigrant workers.
Business owners, workers, students, and families took to the streets, waving flags and carrying signs demanding immigrant rights.
The protest was a call to recognize immigrants’ impact on the economy and culture, particularly in industries like food service and agriculture. Participants said they were pushing back against immigration policies and enforcement efforts they believe are hurting immigrant communities.
The concept began during the first Donald Trump administration when, on February 16, 2017, a national strike of immigrant workers was mounted in protest to Trump’s immigration policies, including building a border wall and potential deportations.
The crowd, including Woodside and Sequoia high school students, started gathering at Courthouse Square around 1 p.m. before setting off on a march at 1:45 p.m. They wound through Broadway, Jefferson Avenue, and El Camino Real before looping back.
Chef Manuel Martinez, who owns La Viga and LV Mar in Redwood City and San Agus in Palo Alto, closed his restaurants for the day in solidarity. In a statement before the protest, he explained his decision.
“We stand with our immigrant communities,” Martinez said. “They are the backbone of the food industry. Without them, it wouldn’t exist.”
Carlos Solorzano-Cuadra, CEO of the Hispanic Chambers of Commerce of San Francisco said that based on a study they did in 2023, there are approximately 11,000 Hispanic/Latino businesses registered in various Hispanic chambers in the Bay Area.
“We have approximately 65% of them closed today in support of the Day Without Immigrants,” he said. “Also, according to the latest census, we have close to 90,000 Hispanic/Latino owned firms but we have only about 12% of the state’s 750,000 small businesses. Of the 90,000 we estimate approximately 45% are closed today. Preparing for the big march in May!”
Le Fonda, located at 820 Veterans Blvd in Redwood City, was also closed yesterday. Co-owner Emma Rodales told this publication that business has been slow for the past two weeks as people fear going out due to the threat of deportation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She emphasized that immigrants like herself love this country and contribute greatly by paying taxes, yet they continue to live in fear of persecution.
Several individuals at the protest shared similar sentiments.
Many held signs reading “Stop Deportation,” “Immigrants Built America,” and “Families Belong Together.” Others dressed in national colors and waved flags representing their heritage.
Anna Arguello, a resident of East Palo Alto, shared the story of how her grandparents immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico to work and create a better future for their family. She added how her grandfather started a landscaping business at age 25 and, at 72, continues to work hard for the country.
“We are living the luxury of that sacrifice,” Arguello said. “And even though it is not us suffering today, it is our people, and we have the voice to speak for them.”
Arguello chose not to send her daughters to school yesterday to participate in the “Day Without Immigrants.”
High schoolers also skipped school to join the protest and express their opposition to the new immigration policies. Andy Villeda, a senior at Redwood High School, and Ally Ortega, a senior at Woodside High School, said they’ve seen fewer students come into schools in the past few weeks.
“It’s really sad to see people afraid to live in their own community, in places where they’ve lived for 10-20 years and scared to leave their own households,” Villeda added.
Faith in Action leaders were at the protest, spreading awareness about the resources they offer for people facing immigration-related challenges. Last year, FIA held a press conference promoting their community response hotline that connects callers with legal guidance, support, and assistance to ensure fair legal processes and prevent isolation. In moments of crisis, people can call 203-666-4472.
Leading the march was a car draped with a large Mexican flag. Music blasted from loudspeakers in some vehicles while others chanted political messages, including “F— Donald Trump.” A song with the same phrase also played over the speakers. The demonstration drew supporters from neighboring cities, including East Palo Alto, and volunteers from the nonprofit Faith in Action.
At the end of the march, participants danced to Mexican music on Broadway.
The event remained peaceful, with chants and cheers echoing through downtown Redwood City. As the march wrapped up, participants urged people to stay engaged and keep fighting for immigrant rights.
“We want to make sure that our voices are heard loud,” said Alondra Aquino, a medical assistant at Stanford, participating in the protest. “We do have an impact in this country, and we are a big part of the income that is made in this country.”
Bay City News contributed to this report. Embarcadero Media Staff contributed to this report.
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