University of Oregon MEChA president speaks on immigrant rights
A crowd of students and supporters rallied to hear speakers and march through campus in support of immigrants.
You may have seen posts online talking about demonstrations for “A Day Without an Immigrant.” Here’s what to know about the movement.
Several activist groups are planning Day Without Immigrants protests on Dec. 18. The organizers are asking the public to not work, not shop and not go to school. The idea is to avoid participating in the economy. In Oregon, groups like Oregon for All, Party for Socialism & Liberation Eugene and Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN), which translates to United Tree-workers and Farmworkers of the Northwest in English, are spreading the word on social media.
The demonstration comes after a spike in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Oregon. In November, the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition said at least 373 people were detained by ICE in Oregon, with 26 of those known detentions happening in Lane County.
“Our goal is to get ICE out of our barrios (neighborhoods) by building solidarity amongst allies and immigrant workers,” stated a joint post to Instagram. “We need other sectors to stand up against gestapo immigration enforcement, and find real solutions to our broken immigration system.”
What is the ‘A Day Without An Immigrant’ or ‘Un Día Sin Un Inmigrante’?
“No work. No school. No spending,” is the motto for A Day Without An Immigrant. According to PCUN, there will be one day or action every month through May.
Each time, immigrants and allies are asked to avoid contributing to the economy as a way to show the economic power immigrants hold. It’s also meant to show solidarity for immigrants who are afraid to leave their homes amidst increased ICE activity.
The upcoming dates for action are:
Dec. 18 (International Migrants Day)Jan. 19 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)Feb. 16March 16April 1May 1 (International Workers Day)
PCUN has also started a pledge with more information at bit.ly/DWOIEndorse.
Why are there immigration protests on Dec. 18?
Dec. 18 was selected as the kick off for this multi-month act of protest because it is International Migrants Day.
The action also coincides with a spike in ICE activity in Oregon through the month of November.
What is International Migrants Day?
The United Nation established the first International Migrants Day on Dec. 18, 2000. It serves as a way to recognize the role migrants have on industries and how they bolster advanced, dynamic economies, according to the UN.
“Migration may reduce wages or lead to higher unemployment among low-skilled workers in advanced economies, many of whom are themselves migrants who arrived in earlier waves,” the UN website states. “However, most migrants complement the skills of domestic workers instead of competing with them. By performing tasks that either would go undone or cost more, migrants allow citizens to perform other, more productive and better-paid jobs.”
The theme for 2025’s International Migrant Day is “My Great Story: Cultures and Development.” It is meant to highlight “how human mobility drives growth, enriches societies and helps communities connect, adapt, and support one another.”
Wasn’t there another “day without immigrants” protest in February?
Yes, there was another “A Day Without Immigrants” movement that saw national participation on Feb. 3, two weeks after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, in response to his immigration policies. The demonstration coincided with the Los Angeles immigration demonstrations that shut down freeways.
Shops and restaurants closed across the country to observe the protest, as reported by USA TODAY. In Salem, several restaurants closed.
Where are Day Without An Immigrant protests in Oregon?
There are multiple protests planned across Oregon on Dec. 18. Some locations have yet to be announced as of Dec. 15:
Eugene: Ferry Street Bridge from noon to 2 p.m.Springfield: Springfield City Hall from 5:30 to 7 p.m.Salem: Lancaster Drive and Silverton Road from noon to 2 p.m.Woodburn: Highway 99 and Molalla Road from noon to 2 p.m.Medford: Vogel Plaza from 3 to 5 p.m.Gresham: 25101 SE Stark St. from 3 to 4:30 p.m.Portland: Location and time not yet announcedHood River: Location and time not yet announcedCanby: Location and time not yet announced
Miranda Cyr reports on education for The Register-Guard. You can contact her at mcyr@registerguard.com or find her on X @mirandabcyr.