Las Vegas Businesses Close for ICE Day of Action: Protests & Backlash

Several Las Vegas businesses shut down to support nationwide demonstration against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:47pm

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Several businesses in Las Vegas closed their doors on Friday to participate in the 'ICE Out of Everywhere National Day of Action,' a nationwide protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The closures followed the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good and reflected broader opposition to ICE's policies and practices. While some businesses like Neon Desert Vintage and LV Plant Collective closed, others like Republic Goods remained open, citing obligations to local vendors and sellers. The closures sparked both backlash, including 'review bombing' and a death threat, as well as support from the community.

Why it matters

The decision by Las Vegas businesses to close in solidarity with the 'ICE Out of Everywhere National Day of Action' highlights the increasing polarization around social and political issues, and the potential consequences for businesses that take a public stance. It demonstrates the risks involved in aligning with controversial causes, even for small, community-focused enterprises.

The details

Businesses like Neon Desert Vintage, LV Plant Collective, Fresa's Skate Shop, Tofu Tees, Blaspheme Boutique, Yukon Pizza, Afterlife Boba, Mojave Bloom Nursery, and Mary's Cakes closed their doors on Friday to participate in the nationwide demonstration. Shelly Herrera-White, owner of Neon Desert Vintage, said the decision was difficult but 'felt like the right thing to do,' while Carissa Beasley, owner of LV Plant Collective, acknowledged the closure was 'detrimental' but important to 'stand in solidarity' with those affected by ICE's actions. In contrast, Noel Hurst, owner of Republic Goods, chose to remain open, citing an 'obligation to local vendors and local sellers' and not wanting to disrupt their income.

  • The businesses closed on Friday, January 31, 2026 to participate in the 'ICE Out of Everywhere National Day of Action'.

The players

Shelly Herrera-White

The owner of Neon Desert Vintage, a family-run storefront located at 1403 S. Commerce St. in Las Vegas.

Carissa Beasley

The owner of LV Plant Collective, a business located in Fergusons Downtown in Las Vegas.

Noel Hurst

The owner of Republic Goods, a consignment store located at 1310 S. Main St. in Las Vegas.

Alex Pretti

An individual whose death prompted the nationwide demonstration against ICE.

Renee Good

An individual whose death prompted the nationwide demonstration against ICE.

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What they’re saying

“The way I was raised, as a native, this is stolen land. There are no illegal immigrants on native land.”

— Shelly Herrera-White, Owner, Neon Desert Vintage

“The decision to close was 'easy,' despite the financial risk. Beasley, who never takes a day off, acknowledged the closure was 'detrimental' but felt it was important to 'stand in solidarity' with those affected by ICE's actions.”

— Carissa Beasley, Owner, LV Plant Collective

“I had an 'obligation to local vendors and local sellers' and did not want to disrupt their income. She emphasized this decision did not signify agreement with the issues at hand, but a commitment to her business partners.”

— Noel Hurst, Owner, Republic Goods

What’s next

The long-term impact of the businesses' decisions to close or remain open during the 'ICE Out of Everywhere National Day of Action' remains to be seen, as the community continues to grapple with the broader issues surrounding immigration enforcement and the role of businesses in social and political activism.

The takeaway

The closures of Las Vegas businesses in solidarity with the 'ICE Out of Everywhere National Day of Action' highlight the complex and often polarizing nature of social and political activism, and the potential risks and consequences for businesses that choose to take a public stance on controversial issues. As the community navigates these challenges, it will be important to balance the need for civic engagement with the realities of running a successful business.