A call for a commercial boycott has emerged on social media with the creation of the 'Freeze Latino Movement', which invites the Hispanic community to refrain from spending their money on non-essential items as a measure of rejection against the raids and other actions implemented by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, that harm minorities.
The movement highlights on its website that Latinos represent 20% of the total population in the North American country, contributing $3.7 trillion annually to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This initiative seeks to send a clear message to the administration about the importance of the economic contributions of Latinos and migrants in the nation.
This call is not the first of its kind, as in February 2017, during Trump's first term, the immigrant community carried out the 'A Day Without Immigrants' movement. At that time, Latino businesses closed their doors in various parts of the country in support of all migrants.
The 'Freeze Latino Movement' encourages Latinos to spend only on essential needs such as food and housing, avoiding large and non-essential purchases at national chain stores that have eliminated diversity and inclusion policies under Trump's administration. In the group’s words, "together we can send a collective message and have a significant impact".
"The government has suspended all diversity and inclusion programs while deporting all undocumented migrants," states a message shared on social media by the movement. The voice of solidarity and resistance is amplifying among Latinos, calling for reflection on how purchasing power can be a tool to exert pressure and promote change.
