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Minneapolis grocery seeks to help migrant families on "A Day Without Immigrants"

Minneapolis grocery seeks to help migrant families on "A Day Without Immigrants"
Minneapolis grocery seeks to help migrant families on "A Day Without Immigrants" 02:05

MINNEAPOLIS — Latino businesses are calling Monday "A Day Without Immigrants," and are closing up their shops across the country.

While the Trump administration ramps up deportations, participating businesses are showing how they impact the U.S. economy.

Anyone who took a drive along East Lake Street in Minneapolis on Monday may have noticed the empty storefronts with open signs flipped off.

"In just Minneapolis and St. Paul alone, we're talking about 350 to 400 Latino businesses that are closed," said Daniel Hernandez, owner of Colonial Market.

While Hernandez has closed his doors for sales at Colonial Market, he's remaining open for another reason: to help a community currently riddled with anxiety over fears of deportations.

"It's been very difficult," said Hernandez. "A lot of people have been hiding, even the ones that have legal status."

The grocery store is helping undocumented immigrants fill out Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA) legal forms

Essentially, the papers are signed forms allowing friends or family to take care of children should the parents get deported. Without this authorization, those children would more than likely end up in a shelter, Hernandez said.

"The main thing that we're trying to avoid, is the trauma that a lot of these kids will have," said Hernandez.

"We had a few people crying. They are very nervous," said Nancy Peralta. 

The shop has people like Peralta, a notary, to help certify the forms.

"I can feel their pain. I can feel they're very nervous about the process," said Peralta. 

The forms will help prevent a worst-case scenario for many migrant parents. It's Peralta's job to both reassure and prepare the dozens-upon-dozens of families she has assisted Monday alone.

"I just want to say not to be afraid. I think everything is going to be okay, and the document is just in case," said Peralta.

Hernandez said families of over 500 children filled out the legal forms Monday alone. The grocery will be helping with DOPA forms, for free through February, Peralta said.  

South St. Paul business joins in nationwide movement

'A Day Without Immigrants': Nationwide Movement Planned for Monday 02:01

Michelandia Bar and Grill in South St. Paul is another restaurant who joined the movement in solidarity.

Manager Alejandro Morales said his restaurant, which serves as a hub for Mexican culture, has seen fewer customers since President Trump's immigration crackdown

"People are afraid of coming because they might think that immigration can get in and they'll take all the people, not just our employees but our customers as well," Morales said.

The decline in business has been significant, forcing the restaurant to reduce operating hours. 

Morales said that it's not only undocumented individuals avoiding going out but also those with legal status, who fear the increased risk of deportation.

In response, Michelandia will close its doors on Monday as part of the "A Day Without Immigrants" initiative. Morales sees it as a way to support the local Latin community, which has supported his business over the years.

"We all depend on everybody," he said.

According to estimates from the nonpartisan Center for Migration Studies of New York, around 8.3 million undocumented immigrants are employed in the U.S., making up more than 5% of the country's workforce.

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