On “A Day Without Immigrants,” Latino businesses across the U.S. closed to protest increased deportations under the Trump administration. In Minneapolis and St. Paul, 350 to 400 Latino-owned businesses, including Colonial Market, participated in the protest. While the store closed for sales, owner Daniel Hernandez kept it open to assist the community, helping undocumented immigrants fill out Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA) forms. These forms authorize others to care for children if parents are deported, preventing the children from being placed in shelters. The store provided this service for free, helping over 500 families. Notary Nancy Peralta supported the process, comforting nervous parents. The effort aimed to minimize the trauma for families facing uncertainty about deportation.
As the nation grapples with the issue of immigration and the impact of increased deportations, the Latino community in Minneapolis and St. Paul took a stand on “A Day Without Immigrants.” This nationwide protest saw hundreds of Latino-owned businesses close their doors in solidarity. Among them was Colonial Market, a grocery store owned by Daniel Hernandez.
While many businesses closed for sales on that day, Hernandez made the decision to keep his store open to assist the community. Recognizing the fear and uncertainty faced by undocumented immigrants, he saw an opportunity to provide a crucial service. With the help of Notary Nancy Peralta, the store offered assistance in filling out Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA) forms.
These forms are a vital tool for undocumented parents, as they authorize someone else to care for their children in the event of deportation. By helping families complete these forms, Colonial Market aimed to ease the burden of uncertainty and minimize the trauma that families may face. Peralta’s presence also provided much-needed support and comfort to parents who were understandably nervous about the process.
Throughout the day, over 500 families received assistance from Colonial Market. The store’s commitment to serving the community in this way exemplifies the resilience and strength of the Latino community in the face of adversity. By offering this service for free, Hernandez and Peralta demonstrated their dedication to supporting immigrant families in a time of need.
As discussions around immigration reform continue at the national level, it is heartening to see local businesses like Colonial Market stepping up to provide practical support to those most affected. Their efforts on “A Day Without Immigrants” serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of community solidarity and mutual support in times of crisis.
