ICE Raids Impact Businesses in LA: Protests and Boycotts

Protests and National Day of Action

• ✊ A national day of action against federal immigration operations, the "ICE out rally," saw thousands gathering in downtown LA.
• 📣 Organizers urged a national strike, encouraging people to skip work, keep kids home, and avoid spending money to protest ICE raids.
• 🗣️ Mayor Karen Bass commented on the protests, calling the arrest of Don Lemon an "egregious misuse of our justice system."

Business Impact and Boycotts

• 📉 Several businesses in Southern California have been impacted by the arrival of ICE agents.
• 💰 The protest involved a boycott, where people were asked not to shop or spend money to express outrage over ICE raids.
• 🛍️ Some businesses, like Amoeba Records, announced they would donate sales to immigrant rights groups such as Chura and Malddeep.

Observed Business Closures and Support

• 🚶‍♀️ Hollywood and Studio City appeared unusually quiet, with fewer people on the streets and in businesses.
• 🚪 Businesses that participated in the boycott often displayed signs or posted on social media indicating their closure or support for the cause.
• 👍 Many people interviewed expressed understanding and support for businesses that closed in solidarity with immigrant rights.
• 🤷‍♀️ While some supported the boycott, others showed indifference or a lack of awareness about the reasons for business closures.