A number of organizations, including the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development and Amnesty International, have voiced their support for the strike.
“President Trump’s Muslim ban has sent a chilling message to millions of American Muslims who are part of the fabric of this country. Today, we’re standing with the bodega owners and workers who are refusing to be intimidated and silenced by this cruel and unlawful Muslim ban, and we’re demanding that Congress step in and block it,” Margaret Huang, USA executive director of Amnesty International, said in a statement.
The Trump administration has rejected characterizations of the executive order as a “Muslim ban,” noting more than 40 countries that are majority-Muslim are not on the banned list.
Hundreds gathered in Brooklyn ahead of a scheduled Muslim prayer service and rally. There were chants of “USA” and “No ban, no hate, and America will be great!” New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams are expected to speak.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has condemned the president’s immigration executive order and has pledged that the city will continue to protect refugees and immigrants.
“As an American and the grandson of immigrants I am profoundly saddened by the President’s Executive Order on immigration,” he said in a statement. “In this great city of immigrants we will remain true to our values and always welcome all who yearn to breathe free.”
He tweeted his support for the strike this afternoon.
ABC’s Aaron Katersky contributed reporting to this report.
Article Appeared @http://abc7chicago.com/news/nyc-bodegas-go-on-strike-in-protest-of-immigration-ban/1735619/