Providence Businesses Join National Shutdown Against ICE

Local shops close doors to protest recent immigration enforcement actions

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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On January 30th, thousands of people across America skipped school and work to protest against recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity as part of a nationwide shutdown. In Providence, Rhode Island, many local businesses joined the opposition and closed their doors for the day, including the ice cream shop Big Feeling, the catering company Black Beans PVD, and the yarn store Knit Club.

Why it matters

The decision by these Providence businesses to close shop and join the protests highlights the growing community opposition to aggressive ICE tactics and the desire to take a stand against immigration enforcement actions that are seen as threatening to local residents. The shutdown was part of a national movement to disrupt normal business operations in order to draw attention to the issue.

The details

Several Providence business owners, including Alex Maddalena of Big Feeling, Bean Marcelino of Black Beans PVD, and Lindsay Degen of Knit Club, made the choice to close their stores for the day to participate in the protests. While the closures resulted in lost business, the owners felt it was an important way to show solidarity with the immigrant community and the broader movement against ICE's actions. Other local businesses, like Coffee Exchange and East Side Pockets, found alternative ways to support the cause, such as donating proceeds or providing free coffee.

  • The nationwide shutdown and Providence protests took place on January 30, 2026.

The players

Alex Maddalena

Owner of the ice cream shop Big Feeling, which closed for the day to participate in the protests.

Bean Marcelino

Chef and owner of the catering company Black Beans PVD, which also ceased business operations to join the march at the Rhode Island State House.

Lindsay Degen

Owner of the yarn store Knit Club, which closed its doors for the day despite initial hesitation about the decision.

Coffee Exchange

A Providence coffee shop that remained open but donated profits to the ACLU and allowed employees to choose whether to work or not.

East Side Pockets

A Providence business that stayed open, citing a commitment to maintaining stability for staff and continuing to serve customers, while also expressing support for treating all people with dignity and respect.

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What’s next

Organizers of the nationwide shutdown have vowed to continue their protests and advocacy against ICE's immigration enforcement tactics in the coming weeks and months.

The takeaway

The decision by these Providence businesses to close shop and join the protests against ICE demonstrates the growing community opposition to aggressive immigration enforcement actions and the willingness of local organizations to disrupt normal operations to show solidarity and support for immigrant rights.