Jacksonville activists holding “Day Without Immigrants” protest as national discourse continues

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Strikes and protests are expected across the country Thursday as organizers protest an anti-immigration law signed here in Jacksonville.

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Many of those protesters are planning a demonstration today at the city’s Drew Park at 11 a.m. This event is one of many to take place across the state, including the cities Orlando and Tampa.

It is part of a general strike among Latinos and their allies called, “Un Día Sin Inmigrantes” or “Day Without Immigrants,” which is happening nationwide.

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Latino truckers have been supporting the protests alongside their boycott in Florida. Also, in solidarity with immigrant workers, other truckers from various backgrounds and ethnicities have shown their support.

Those who aren’t able to attend today’s protest in Jacksonville or others across the country are asked to stay home from work by event organizers, tackling what has continued to be a major issue of contention across the nation.

“[Immigrants] are not demons or imps or extraterrestrials or terrorists,” said Rep. Susan Valdes of Tampa, who is against Florida’s new immigration law.

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However, Gov. Ron DeSantis and others who support the new law, have also explained why they support the changes, saying it’s about protecting communities, not about attacking Latinos.

“You have all kinds of burdens placed on taxpayers, on medical, on education, on criminal justice,” Gov. DeSantis said. “All these different things impact communities in a very, very big way.”

Those who show up to today’s protest in Jacksonville are asked to bring trash bags to leave the park cleaner than before they showed up to limit negative perceptions of those protesting.

Action News Jax will continue to follow the story and update you as events unfold.

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