On Sunday, February 9, 2025, thirty businesses in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will reportedly close to protest immigration policies implemented under the administration of President Donald Trump. The thirty business taking part in the “A Super Bowl Without Immigrants” initiative estimate 380 workers will stay home during Super Bowl LIX. However, the full list of businesses planning to strike has not been made available.
“Business leaders are calling local city leaders to take decisive steps to strengthen protections and opportunities for the immigrant community given the current anti-immigrant climate,” a statement from A Super Bowl Without Immigrants reads.
Since taking office in late January, Donald Trump has empowered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to bolster deportation efforts. As a result, ICE raids have reportedly taken place in sanctuary cities like Chicago, Newark, Philadelphia and New York. On February 3, 2025, citizens in several cities, including Philadelphia, took part in “A Day Without Immigrants” demonstrations to protest Trump administration efforts.
“This movement is a way to get the big restaurants and food industry companies to take a stand in favor of their workers,” La Roma Owner Cristobal Valencia told Philly Voice. “A Super Bowl day without migrants will be a powerful way for these businesses to realize how valuable these people are to their operations.”
Sunday is just the start of a week’s worth of initiatives and demonstrations. On Valentine’s Day, supporters are also encouraged to spend their money at local businesses owned by immigrants rather than large companies.
