Several Minnesota restaurants and day cares close to protest Trump immigration actions

Louis Krauss, The Minnesota Star Tribune on Feb 3, 2025

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MINNEAPOLIS — A nationwide protest of President Donald Trump’s immigration actions has taken hold in Minnesota, where some restaurants and child care facilities are temporarily closing Monday to stand in solidarity with immigrant workers.

The nationwide movement, titled “A Day Without Immigrants,” aims to show the important role immigrants play in our society and the economy by having workers stay home Monday, closing the business temporarily and urging consumers to not shop.

It comes after President Donald Trump has quickly taken steps toward mass deportation of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. after he took office last month, leading to heightened fears among immigrant communities in Minnesota and beyond.

So far at least five Minnesota restaurants have announced their support of immigrants and said they will be closing Monday.

Brasa Rotisserie, a restaurant several locations around the Twin Cities, explained that it was important to participate in the protest and stay closed Monday given that the business would not be able to operate without the “many” immigrants who work there.

“We support them all … mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, working hard to make a better life for their families and all of us at Brasa,” the statement read on the business’ Instagram page. “It is our hope that common sense and humanity will prevail and allow all good people to continue to do good work, without fear and intimidation.”

Another that stayed closed on Monday is La Costa Mexican Sports Bar and Grill in St. Paul, which posted its announcement on Facebook.

“This decision is deeply meaningful to us as a business founded by immigrants,” the restaurant said. “Today, many of our family members, staff, customers, and friends share the same experience. We stand united in hope and solidarity, praying for meaningful immigration reform in the near future.”

Another is the French-inspired restaurant Barbette in Minneapolis, which posted its announcement on Facebook.

“On Feb. 3, 2025, we stand in solidarity with Mexican and Latino communities,” the post read. “We recognize and honor the invaluable contributions of immigrant workers and communities.”

The restaurant urged other businesses and consumers to take part as well, saying “No Work. No Shopping. No Participation.”

Two early child care businesses have said they are participating in the movement but are taking different approaches.

Tierra Encantada, a Spanish immersion day care and preschool business with multiple locations in the Twin Cities, is allowing staffers and student families to decide whether they will participate. In a Friday email to families, the business said it supports its many employees who wanted to participate in the demonstration and not come to work on Monday.

The business asked families to consider keeping children home in solidarity but said its facilities will remain open.

“We understand that many families in our program also plan to participate in this important event, and this is a meaningful way to show your support for our dedicated staff as they advocate for their community,” the day care business said in its email.

The Minnehaha Area Child Care business, located on Cedar Avenue in south Minneapolis, will also be closed on Monday due to staff participating in the protest.

“As you may be aware, the majority of our staff members are Hispanic immigrants and will be participating in ‘A Day Without Immigrants’ to show solidarity and support,” read an email to families.

Monday’s tuition cost for families will be waived, the email announcement added.

“We appreciate your understanding and support for our staff and the Hispanic community during this time,” the email read.

Another restaurant taking part and staying closed on Monday is Patron Mexican Restaurant and Bar in Chaska, which posted the announcement on Facebook.

“See you on Tuesday with the same great flavors you love!” the post read.

To the south of the Twin Cities, the Ole Store Restaurant in Northfield stayed closed on Monday and spoke in support of immigrants in a social media post.

“Immigrants are essential and without them, this country would be void of so many beautiful and necessary things such as art and music, food and agriculture, hospitality and infrastructure to name a few,” the post read. “When you dine with us, you help us continue to support and advocate for this community.”

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Maya Rao contributed to this report.

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