Pasadena’s Andy’s Coffee Shop Takes a Stand against Oppression of Immigrants

Andy’s Coffee Shop is a very popular eatery in East Pasadena and today the owner made a bold statement against subjugation. – Photo by Terry Miller / Beacon Media News

By Terry Miller

During the National Immigration Day of Action Feb. 16, people across the United States voiced their opinion on what has become a major national debate in the light of the new administration’s views on immigration and subsequent legislation.

Last week ICE raided workplaces across the US and arrested over 700 – 161 in the Los Angeles area alone.

The Homeland Security Department said Monday that 680 people were arrested in roundups last week — 161 of them in the Los Angeles area — targeting immigrants living illegally in the United States.

DHS Secretary John Kelly said Immigration and Customs Enforcement targeted immigrants who are a threat to public safety, including convicted criminals and gang members. He said 75 percent of those arrested were criminals, some of whom had been convicted of homicide and aggravated sexual assault.

The LA Times writer Sarah D. Wire said that members of Congress are not getting their questions answered on the recent raids:

“Several Democratic members of California’s congressional delegation said Tuesday they still don’t have details about who in their districts was arrested in last week’s immigration raids, and why they were targeted.

Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus were scheduled to meet Tuesday afternoon with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to discuss the raids, but the meeting was abruptly canceled. And they’re pretty unhappy about it.

Caucus Chairwoman Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.) said acting ICE Director Thomas Homan told her the meeting was canceled so Republicans could be invited. She said they are trying to reschedule for Thursday, but details have not been finalized.

When a reporter asked about an ICE official who said the meeting was canceled because it had grown so large it had to be bipartisan, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-Norwalk) loudly exclaimed, “Bullshit!”

Outside the locked door of the popular eatery at 1234 E. Colorado, Andy’s Coffee Shop on East Colorado in Pasadena, a small but powerful statement lets customers know why the shop is closed for business Thursday.

The statement reads:

Attention Andy’s Coffee Shop Customers;

“ Given,

One quarter of US Based Nobel Laureates of the last 50 years were foreign born, immigrants.  And they account for nearly one-third of U.S. innovation.

Given,

The substantive researchable data proving that immigrants are cultural/economic assets, who establish companies, create jobs and drive innovation in this country.

Given,

Controls such as ID checks, workplace raids and employer sanctions – not only undermine our very domestic liberties, but are shameful to the crudest degree,

And given,

I am a proud immigrant mother of three children.

ANDY’S COFFE SHOP IS CLOSED

“When a reporter asked about an ICE official who said the meeting was canceled because it had grown so large it had to be bipartisan, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-Norwalk) loudly exclaimed, “Bullshit!” – LA Times