By Gari Voss
The second Friday in a row found businesses and individuals expressing their belief that President Donald Trump’s use of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) teams and the Department of Home Security (DHS) to disrupt communities would not go unnoticed. Peaceful protests could be found on university campuses across Michigan while residents of Grand Rapids, Holland, Detroit, and other communities found businesses closed or adjusting business practices in support of the effort to voice their beliefs.
In an explanation of why Broken Arrow Recycling in Allegan was willing to close for a second Friday, Vice-President Eddie Walker explained, “This is a national shutdown with the same theme as last week – no school, no work, no shopping. Last week we decided to stand in solidarity with the immigrant communities [in Minnesota] and to speak out how ICE and DHS had been treating people in this country.
“We are doing it again. Not because it is easy, not because it is good for business, but because it’s right.”
Walker went on to share that after announcing last week’s closure, they received many responses. Most were supportive while a few were very “cruel, hateful, and deeply personal”. People attacked the business and Walker with the overall theme of “Go WOKE, Go Broke.”
“Let me make something very clear,” Walker stressed. “I would rather go broke than to be rich and live in a society that dehumanizes people. I would rather struggle than stay silent while families are being torn apart. I would rather lose everything than lose my integrity.”
Walker believes that their business has always been about community and dignity. “It’s about standing up when staying quiet is easier.”
The explanation continued, “A national shutdown is about reminding the country that people matter more than profit. If you disagree with us, that’s fine. That is okay. That is your right, and I welcome that. But we will not apologize for choosing compassion over comfort.”
After thanking all who have supported the efforts, Walker promised to continue showing up and choosing to say that enough is enough. Walker closed with an invitation to join in supporting efforts to reign in hurtful actions of the federal government and received a substantial response to hold trainings.
Walker and Broken Arrow were not the only ones to choose “people over profit”. WOOD TV found businesses like Rebel in Eastown (Grand Rapids), Scorpion Hearts Club, Woosah Outfitters, Plant Shop GR, Transfigure Print Co., Spirit Dreams, Commune, Lotus Brew Coffee and Has Heart while others felt they could not shut but expressed support for the effort and their employees who participated in peaceful protests.
In Holland, the 205 Coffee Bar, Our Brewing Company, Spring Sweet, Culture Cheese Shop, Globe Design and Vision, KIN Coffee and Craft House, Shift Climbing, Cakabakery on Eighth, The Bluestocking Bookshop, Francis Jaye, Garsnett Beacon Candle, Co., Brew Merchant, MI Favorita Brick and Ivy Market, and others closed completely or early to demonstrate their support. Owners stated that they were willing to lose some money to make a change.
Ryan Dawson, owner of 205 Coffee Bar stated, “As little this statement is that we’re making, I believe it’s a very small statement, and a small sacrifice for what people are enduring, it’s well worth it.”
Some in Michigan may say that ICE has not been present in Allegan County, but they are mistaken. The problem comes with verifying who has been detained and where they are held. This is similar in other states such as Maine where Governor Janet Mills has repeatedly requested the details on arrest warrants and identification of detainees. The lack of information has brought responses from communities large and small across the state.
In response to the actions of ICE, Walker stepped forward to not only close Broken Arrow Recycling on Friday but to begin work to organize a Rapid Response Team.
Rapid Response Team members receive training then offer their time, energy, and resources to support individuals and families impacted by ICE raids, detentions, arrests, and deportations.
Walker shared, “Support may include:
- Being physically present to observe, record, and document arrests or detentions.
- Coordinating with other organizations to track ongoing situations.
- Helping connect people to legal resources.
- Providing food, clothing, or basic necessities.
- Giving rides to appointments, work, or school.
- Escorting children when families are suddenly disrupted.”
He reminded listeners that no one is expected to do everything and asked only that volunteers contribute in ways that are honest, safe, and sustainable for them.
