Florida businesses are protesting DeSantis's new immigration laws. Here’s who is participating in SWFL

Protests are planned across Florida with some businesses shutting their doors Thursday in opposition to a new immigration law pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The presidential candidate signed SB 1718 into law earlier this month, which aims to strengthen employment requirements, ban local governments from contributing money to organizations creating identification cards for undocumented immigrants, bars driver’s licenses issued to non-citizens in other states from use in Florida and repeals a 2014 law that allowed undocumented immigrants to be admitted to practice law in Florida.

Since its signature, the bill has garnered an array of critics saying it targets the Latino community and the language is too vague.

Learn more about the strike: Florida businesses plan to strike Thursday to protest DeSantis immigration law

What is SB 1718? Florida House passes sweeping new immigration bill. Here's what's in SB 1718:

Organizations are now holding several key protests in six different cities to denounce the bill and its impact on the state. Local businesses across the state, including Latino restaurants and groceries, have closed their doors in protest of the harsh measure and in solidary with the entire community.

Some Southwest Florida businesses have joined in on the protests, shutting down and taking to social media to voice their opinions on the bill.

Here's who is protesting in your community:

Tres Amigos Taqueria

Tres Amigos Taqueria shared their statement online and within different Facebook groups Wednesday evening. Owners of the Cape Coral spot posted a sign translated into both English and Spanish, saying they will join the protest in solidarity with the Latino community.

Mucky Duck

The beloved Captiva restaurant posted a statement to their social media on Wednesday, announcing their participation in the protest and sharing information on SB 1718.

"We would like to inform you that our staff will be voluntarily and on their own accord joining those of many other local businesses in conducting a one-day work strike on Thursday, June 1, and therefore we will be closed that day. The purpose of this strike is to protest Florida Senate Bill 1718: Immigration, which goes into effect July 1, 2023," they wrote on Facebook.

Los Compadres Authentic Mexican Food

The Arcadia Mexican restaurant posted that they will be closed in support of the Latino community and will resume regular hours tomorrow.

They also shared an infographic on their Facebook about SB 1718 and how it discriminates against the community.

Maxx Foods

The popular Fort Myers supermarket on Palm Beach Boulevard has joined in on the protest, closing down at the start of Thursday morning.

“Maxx Foods will be closed on June first in solidarity with the Latina community," the sign on their front door reads.

J&R Painting, Inc

The Tallahassee Democrat spoke with Naples's J&R Valdez Painting, Inc. owner Juan Valdez, who said all 45 of his workers will be on strike. The business was founded by Valdez and his brother, Roberto, over 8 years ago.

Since the immigration bill passed in early May, he's lost 15 employees who have moved to other states.

“They have families that are immigrants, so they’re doing it for their families,” he said.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida immigration laws strike has these businesses closed