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Support for Immigrant Rights: Business Leaders Take a Stand Against ICE

Clockwise, from top: Reinaldo Sánchez at his Whitney Avenue storefront; Bill Frisch of East Rock Breads; Lauren Anderson at Kulturally LIT Fest; Meg Fama during summer 2025. Photo credits: Lucy Gellman and Kapp Singer.

The Call to Action: A Response to ICE Raids

When Reinaldo Sánchez began to hear whispers of a general strike against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), he took notice. As a Latino with Puerto Rican roots, Sánchez holds American citizenship by birth, which adds complexity to his experiences and thoughts on privilege. Over recent months, he has observed how ICE raids have wreaked havoc on vibrant immigrant communities across the nation, instilling fear and forcing individuals into hiding.

Intrigued by the notion of disrupting typical business operations, he drew inspiration from nearby businesses, adapting the strike call to fit his own values.

Community Resistance: A Collective Business Response

Sánchez, along with chef Lorivie Alicea, manages Via Láctea, a plant-based ice cream shop located in New Haven’s Whitney-Audubon Retail District. They joined other small business owners and creatives who felt compelled to express their dissent against ICE’s activities. The planned strike aimed to signal to the Department of Homeland Security—and the broader government—that the community stands united against ICE’s practices. As the rally unfolded nearby on the New Haven Green, businesses from diverse sectors participated, either by closing their doors for the day or donating a portion of their earnings to immigrant advocacy organizations.

This wave of activism was significantly impacted by recent tragedies involving ICE. The deaths of Renee Nicole Macklin Good and Alex Jeffrey Pretti at the hands of ICE agents in Minneapolis, along with several other fatalities in ICE custody, galvanized many in the community.

Internal Debates Among Small Businesses

In a candid conversation on Saturday, Sánchez reflected on the emotional toll of federal agencies targeting communities like his. He and Alicea wrestled with the decision of whether to remain open or join the strike. Despite the winter slow season impacting sales, the call for solidarity resonated deeply with them.

Similarly, Bill Frisch, owner of East Rock Breads, faced the same challenge. With only a few employees and limited operating days each week, the prospect of missing out on a day’s revenue created a dilemma. Ultimately, he chose to donate 50% of his proceeds to the Immigrant Defense Project, which provides much-needed legal support and advocate training.

A Day of Solidarity: Generating Positive Community Impact

By midday Friday, East Rock Breads had reached a profitable milestone, generating over $1,200 for advocacy efforts. Frisch expressed pride in the community’s support, feeling inspired to continue organizing similar fundraisers in the future. This commitment to social responsibility reflects a broader ethos among small businesses in the area.

At Via Láctea, Sánchez followed in Frisch’s footsteps, declaring that they would contribute half their sales to the Immigrant Defense Project as well. Their joint efforts across New Haven and Puerto Rico raised nearly $958.67 in a single day. Sánchez noted, “Operating at a loss for a greater cause sends a message stronger than closing our doors.”

Other Local Businesses Join the Cause

Meg Fama, owner of The Farm Belly, expressed a strong commitment to immigrant rights, emphasizing that her restaurant exists within a thriving immigrant community. Despite challenging conditions, she and her staff decided to keep operating and donate half their revenue to Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS), an organization that has experienced severe budget cuts in recent years.

A Unified Front: The Needs of the Community

Lauren Anderson, founder of Possible Futures, viewed the situation from a strategic perspective. She noted that for strikes to effectively impact agencies like ICE and the companies backing them, there must be long-term grassroots plans in place. This sentiment reflects the challenges of short-term activism amid ongoing crises faced by immigrant communities.

The Bigger Picture: Using AI for legal Clarity

Given the complexities surrounding immigration law and the challenges many businesses face in understanding their legal responsibilities, tools like AI legalese decoder can serve as valuable resources. This application simplifies legal jargon, making it easier for small business owners to comprehend their obligations and potential liabilities in engaging with immigrant rights issues. By helping clarify legal texts, it empowers business leaders to make informed decisions that align with their values while minimizing risks.

The Impact of Bravery: A Cultural Movement

Across New Haven and nearby areas, the bravado of artists and businesses stood out. Individuals ranging from bookstore owners to performers made sacrifices to support the cause, recognizing that the fight against ICE is inherently a collective American issue.

In a powerful manifesto, Kristen Mascia, owner of Mermaid Books, declared, “ICE is everywhere, and their ranks are growing. This is every American’s problem.” She viewed the act of striking not just as a disruption but as a means to embolden others to stand up and speak against injustices that affect vulnerable communities.

Conclusion: A Call for Continued Commitment

The actions of Sánchez, Frisch, Fama, and other business leaders symbolize a broader commitment to community support and social justice. As more individuals join these collective movements, the sense of solidarity becomes palpable. This underscores the importance of community and activism in fostering a society that actively challenges oppressive systems while embracing diversity and mutual aid.

By raising funds, raising awareness, and utilizing accessible resources like the AI legalese decoder, businesses can turn solidarity into action, paving the way for a more just and equitable future for all.

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