Some New York City businesses are participating in what is being called a “nationwide shutdown.”

Organizers hope a massive show of resistance will convince the Trump administration to stop sending immigration agents to cities nationwide.

What You Need To Know

  • Some New York City businesses are participating in what is being called a “nationwide shutdown” 

  • Organizers hope a massive show of resistance will convince the Trump administration to stop sending immigration agents to cities nationwide

  • Many businesses on the Upper West Side showed support for the strike

  • Businesses closed as part of the nationwide shutdown are expected to reopen on Saturday

Poetry of Material Things, a jewelry store on the Upper West Side, had a sign on its door on Friday morning that read, in part, “admittedly losing a day of business is not easy, especially during a difficult time of year in retail, however, there comes a time when we must choose to honor our core beliefs.”

Dozens of other businesses across the city participated in the strike, while many others shared their support.

“I think it’s really important to make a stand against what was happening across the entire nation,” Jake Sitt said.

“I think that’s fantastic,” Mitch Mcniffe said. “I mean, just think about for the small business owners, that hit they take by being closed. So I think the fact they’re doing it, it’s a big stance, and I’m really proud of our city.”

“I’m for law and order, but the way they’re doing it, it’s just lawless,” Saeid Shariati said.

“It may not be a huge change with just this one, but we have to start somewhere. So, like, a little change, we’ll take it, and then we keep going,” Tara Larocca said.

Others say they are deeply disappointed by what has been happening in Minneapolis but do not think the general strike is going to make a difference.

“I’m a little confused about it actually. I just think the way the economy is, I think we should keep the businesses open,” James Palazza said, notijng he believes Immigration and Customs Enforcement needs to change the way it operates.

Palazzo said he does not think shutting down businesses in New York is going to make a difference.

Businesses closed as part of the nationwide shutdown are expected to reopen on Saturday.