NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Some restaurants across the U.S. closed Monday to mark a “Day without immigrants.” Rallies were held nationwide — including in Nashville.
The Associated Press reported the closures and rallies were part of “a loosely organized day of protest against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.” Last week, the Tennessee state legislature passed a bill introducing the creation of a centralized immigration enforcement division.
Governor Bill Lee said in a press conference Thursday the bill would help Tennessee support Trump’s agenda.
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“The legislation that we have passed this week builds on the work that Tennessee has already done and have been doing at the southern border,” Lee said last week. “Now, we stand ready to assist the President and his further agenda for public safety for our state.”
Hundreds gathered in Centennial Park Monday afternoon for Nashville’s rally, which attendee Gustavo Ortiz said was meant to illustrate what the U.S. would look like without immigrants. Ortiz called Nashville’s rally one for “El día del inmigrante,” or the day of the immigrant.
“It’s pretty emotional for me because my parents can’t be here and the fact that I’m representing them is what makes this super emotional [and] very personal,” Ortiz told News 2. “…It’s very excruciating to think that at any given point, my parents can no longer be here.”
Protestors took to the Parthenon steps, holding flags and signs with phrases like “No one is illegal on stolen land” and “Vote for human rights over money.”
In addition to the rally, Ortiz explained those who participated in Monday’s events did not go to work or school and withheld spending.
“I think that we’ve let really insignificant things divide us as humans. God made us all equally,” Ortiz said. “We stand here today to show you that we matter and hopefully, you can stop and think that…actions have consequences.”
Ortiz added he heard about the rally through social media and shared information about the rally on TikTok and that those interested should continue to follow social media for updates on future events. He hopes Monday’s rally is just the beginning and that the organizers who helped host the event have future festivals to bring the community together.
“No matter how much you punch us, no matter how many times you kick us to the ground, we’re here to let you know that we’re here to stay,” Ortiz added. “We’re here to make a difference because that’s exactly what we’ve done since we got here.”
