Politics

In pictures: Businesses close, citizens protest for ‘Day Without Immigrants’

Thousands gather in Union Park for a rally and march in support of immigrant rights in Chicago on February 16, 2017.
Max Herman | NurPhoto | Getty Images

On Thursday, demonstrators took to the streets, businesses across the U.S. closed for the day and students avoided lessons to highlight the significance of "A Day Without Immigrants": a movement protesting against President Donald Trump's immigration agenda.

The nationwide event asked foreign-born individuals not to attend work or go shopping in protest against Trump's policies, which has included a temporary travel ban on citizens from seven majority-Muslim nations.

"A Day Without Immigrants" is just one of many protests and events staged – or scheduled – against the new U.S. administration's policies. Strike4Democracy has organized strikes for Friday to stand up for democratic principles.

The organizers of the Women's March on Washington have also announced "A Day Without A Woman", set to take place on International Women's Day on March 8.

CNBC takes a look at some of the scenes from Thursday's "A Day Without Immigrants".


People take to the streets

Thousands march down Jackson Boulevard towards Federal Plaza in support of immigrant rights in Chicago on February 16, 2017.
Max Herman | NurPhoto | Getty Images

In Chicago, thousands gather to show their support of immigrant rights.

'We are all immigrants'

A closed sign at the Nickel Diner restaurant which closed for the day in solidarity with the 'Day Without Immigrants' nationwide protests, in Los Angeles, California,
Mark Ralston | AFP | Getty Images

In Los Angeles, the Nickel Diner shuts its doors and displays the sign "Nickel Diner is closed. We are all immigrants."

Walking tall

Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capital on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas.
Drew Anthony Smith | Getty Images News | Getty Images

In Austin, protestors take to the streets in support of the "A Day Without Immigrants" movement.

'This is the only home I & my children know'

At a closed market stand a banner reads "This Is The Only Home I & My Children Know" as several immigrant-owned stores along the landmark Italian Market in South Philadelphia, PA
Bastiaan Slabbers | NurPhoto | Getty Images

In South Philadelphia, the words "This is the only home I & my children know" are written across a banner at a closed market stand.

Preparing to close

Morning Glory Diner sits empty February 16, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Jessica Kourkounis | Getty Images News | Getty Images

In preparation of Thursday's demonstrations, the Morning Glory Diner in Philadelphia notifies customers by saying that they will be closed "in support of the immigrant walkout", adding that "We are a nation of immigrants."

'Y’all means all'

Protesters march in the streets outside the Texas State Capitol on 'A Day Without Immigrants' February 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas
Drew Anthony Smith | Getty Images News | Getty Images

"Y'all means ALL," a placard reads at a march outside the Texas State Capitol, located in Austin.

‘All immigrants are the backbone of American History’

MARK RALSTON | AFP | Getty Images

Mexican restaurant Guelaguetza closed its doors on Thursday in Los Angeles. On the door, a sign contains the words: "We truly believe that all immigrants are the backbone of American history and will remain essential to the continuous growth and prosperity of our nation."

"To those who feel silenced we say: don't be afraid, be strong."


Sticking together

Thousands march down Jackson Boulevard towards Federal Plaza in support of immigrant rights in Chicago on February 16, 2017.
Max Herman | NurPhoto | Getty Images

A rally in Chicago called for unity with placards calling on people to "Stop the hate. We make America great!"

Sending a message

Latino community members and leaders attend a news conference discussing U.S. immigration policies and the safety of their families on February 16, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Jessica Kourkounis | Getty Images News | Getty Images

In the city of Philadelphia, Latino community members and leaders hold placards while attending a news conference.

Legalization, not deportations

An anti-Trump banner outside the J&F Ice Cream store which closed for the day in solidarity with the 'Day Without Immigrants' nationwide protests, in Los Angeles, California, on February 16, 2017.
Mark Ralston | AFP | Getty Images

Outside the J&F Ice Cream Shop in Los Angeles - which closed for the day - a banner saying "Fight Trump. Legalization, not deportations", is displayed.

Work as usual

Business goes on in the late afternoon at one of the vendors while several immigrant-owned stores along the landmark Italian Market in South Philadelphia, PA, USA remained closed on February 16th, 2017
Bastiaan Slabbers | NurPhoto | Getty Images

While several vendors and stores shut their doors on Thursday, some businesses kept their doors open.