On Thursday, Feb. 16, Broadway in Chelsea’s business district resembled a ghost town. Shutters came down across numerous storefronts that typically bustled with activity during morning and afternoon hours. Where welcoming signs usually greeted customers, restaurants instead displayed signs reading ‘Cerrado.’
The closures were part of a national protest movement called ‘Day Without an Immigrant,’ designed to demonstrate the economic impact of removing immigrants from the country. In Chelsea, the effect was visible: shuttered businesses, empty streets, and support from community members backing the action.
An informal tally by The Record identified 41 businesses along the Broadway Business District that had closed for the day, among them Rincon Hondureno and numerous other restaurants, shops, and service providers that displayed window signs explaining their participation in the protest.
According to Julio Flores of El Santaneco Restaurant, the movement was national in scope, but many Chelsea business owners—despite being competitors across retail, restaurants, and electronics—decided the day before to participate and make a significant statement. “We believe this is a way to first support our community,” he said. “About 90 to 95 percent of our customers are Latino. At the same time, it was a way to let our local leaders know our position regarding the way regulations are coming down throughout the whole country by our current president…I do want to make it clear that none of this reflects on our local leaders in Chelsea. We’re extremely happy with our city manager and our police department. They are amazing. None of it had to do with our local leaders. It was about the new regulations coming from Washington, D.C.”
The 41 shuttered businesses included Broadway Bargain Center, Montecristo Restaurant, Mi Guatemala Bakery, Mi Salvador Mexican Restaurant, Mi Salvador Mexican Store, C&P La Prima Market, Broadway Studios, Rincon Hondureno Restaurant, Curley’s Falcon, Tijuana Restaurant, Computer Center, Centro Americano Barber Shop, Rico’s Design Barber Shop, Cuzcatlan Restaurant, Catracho’s International Restaurant, Curley’s Restaurant, Latin Sound, Glamour Hair Salon, Spectrum Communications, Latino Express Market, Lopesa Services, La Guanaquita, Campeon Soccer Store, Amazonia Jeans, P&N Jewelers, Cathy Gifts, Melliam Travel, Restaurant Los Amigos, Carlos Recuerdos, Santiago’s Hair Style, El Santaneco Restaurant, Bella Villa Restaurant/Bar, Los Pinos Restaurant, Tu Casa Restaurant, Broadway Variety, Caribbean Liquors, Castillos Electronics, SCM T-Mobile Store, Ellis Fashion, Chelsea Boutique, and Colchas Primor y Mas.
Flores noted uncertainty about participation levels but emphasized that despite being business rivals, the owners functioned as a close-knit community. “That was impressive,” he said. “I have to say I feel very proud…We’re really close. We all know each other and try to be good neighbors. Honestly, I was shocked. I went out to get something and I saw that all the small stores and restaurants were closed. When I looked at my Facebook page where we had announced our closure, we had so many positive comments. I have no regrets and I think I speak for everyone on that.”
City Councillor Damali Vidot witnessed the closures and praised the business owners for their sacrifice. She announced plans to introduce a resolution at the Feb. 27 City Council meeting recognizing those who participated. “I think to make that kind of statement with their stores and restaurants was a great thing,” she said. “To sacrifice a day’s pay to stand together with this group to make this clear statement is truly commendable. These are mom and pop businesses and they have to support families. Closing is a hard thing to do for them. It was a sacrifice.”
According to Vidot, the protest originated with a group in Texas and spread through social media, growing organically to reach communities including Chelsea and East Boston. Local nonprofits such as the Chelsea Collaborative were aware of the action but did not coordinate it.