Birmingham Bookstore Donates Sales to Immigrant Rights Amid Protests

A bookstore in Birmingham is taking a stand in support of immigrant rights amid ongoing protests against federal immigration enforcement in the United States. From January 25 to January 31, 2025, Thank You Books will donate 10% of its sales to the Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama (¡HICA!), an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of immigrant families.

The bookstore announced its initiative on social media, sharing a powerful photo from the recent “ICE Out” protests in Minneapolis, where thousands rallied against actions taken by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “We stand in solidarity with the people and businesses of Minnesota and are horrified by the actions of ICE,” the bookstore stated on its website and various platforms. “Please take care of yourselves and your neighbors.”

This initiative comes in the wake of tragic events that have heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement. On January 20, 2025, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse, was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis. Eyewitness cellphone footage contradicts claims made by the Department of Homeland Security and former President Donald Trump, suggesting that Pretti posed an imminent threat. Instead, the video reveals him holding a phone when the agent tackled him and fired.

Pretti’s death has exacerbated public outrage following the January 7 shooting of Renee Good, who was also killed by an ICE officer. These incidents are part of a troubling trend, as at least six immigrants have died in federal detention centers during January 2025 alone. According to data reported by the Guardian, there were 32 deaths in ICE custody in 2024, marking the deadliest year for ICE-related fatalities in two decades.

Community Response and Economic Impact

On January 25, hundreds of businesses in Minneapolis participated in an economic blackout, closing their doors in protest of ICE operations during one of the slowest retail periods of the year. Some establishments remained open, providing refuge and assistance to demonstrators facing harsh winter conditions. Organizers of the protest emphasized, “It is time to suspend the normal order of business to demand immediate cessation of ICE actions in Minnesota, accountability for federal agents who have caused loss of life, and call for Congress to intervene.”

The actions taken by Thank You Books mirror a growing trend among businesses and individuals advocating for immigration reform and human rights. By donating a portion of their sales, they not only support local advocacy groups like ¡HICA! but also contribute to a larger dialogue about the treatment of immigrants in the United States.

As protests continue in Minneapolis and across the nation, the solidarity shown by businesses such as Thank You Books highlights the critical intersection of commerce and social justice. The ongoing conversation about immigration policy and enforcement remains urgent, with advocates calling for accountability and systemic changes within federal agencies.