A Bookstore's Bold Stand for Immigrant Rights

In a show of support for immigrant rights, a local bookstore in Birmingham is taking action. Thank You Books has decided to give 10% of its sales this week to the Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama (¡HICA! ). This move comes as protests against federal immigration enforcement, specifically ICE, are happening in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The bookstore shared a photo from these protests on its social media platforms. Along with the photo, they posted a strong message. They said they stand with the people and businesses in Minnesota. They also expressed their horror at the actions of ICE. The bookstore urged everyone to take care of themselves and their neighbors. This news comes at a time when tensions are high. A nurse named Alex Pretti was killed by a U. S. Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis. Cellphone footage tells a different story than what officials said. The video shows Pretti holding a phone, not a gun, when he was tackled and shot. He had a gun in a holster, but it seems he was disarmed before he was shot.Pretti's death has added to the outrage. Just a few weeks ago, Renee Good was shot in the head by an ICE officer. This month alone, at least six immigrants have died while in federal immigration detention centers. Last year was the deadliest year for ICE-related deaths in two decades, with 32 people losing their lives in custody. In response to these events, hundreds of businesses in Minneapolis closed their doors. This was part of an economic blackout to protest ICE. Some businesses stayed open to provide shelter for demonstrators. They offered free food and warmth during the cold protests. The bookstore's action is a reminder that businesses can use their platform to support important causes. It's also a call to action for others to stand up for immigrant rights.