Related videos:
In recent weeks, the migrant community in the United States has expressed increasing concern over the rise in visits from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to businesses owned by Latinos in several states across the country.
Hispanic small business owners assured the agency EFE that they have lost up to 50% of their income after being the target of ICE operations and the Office of Investigations of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
One of them is Marco Antonio López, owner of Beef Master Meat Market in Tucson, Arizona. He asserted that heavily armed, some with hoods and unexpectedly, ICE agents arrived at his establishment while patrols and undercover vehicles were positioned at strategic points.
According to what was said, the agents told him it was a routine operation to verify that all workers had "papers" to work legally in the United States.
Although the agents did not arrest any employees, they did take the workers' records, the business documents, and the suppliers' information.
According to local reports, ICE agents have been seen entering restaurants, supermarkets, and other Latino establishments in cities like Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, and New York.
Despite the fact that federal authorities have not confirmed whether these visits are part of specific operations, business owners and employees fear that they may involve undercover inspections or attempts to gather information about the migrant community.
Daysi García, owner of a beauty salon in Maryland, reported to El País that after an ICE raid on her business, the clientele decreased drastically.
What is happening now is even worse than Covid. Back then, people would wear masks and come out. Now, they don't even want to leave their homes," García expressed.
The deportation policies implemented by the administration of President Donald Trump have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety among Latino immigrants, affecting both their daily lives and the economy of the businesses they frequent.
According to reports, the recent deportations have had negative economic effects on various American industries that rely on immigrant labor.
Rebeca Shi, executive director of the American Business Immigration Coalition in Illinois, explained that deportations have also impacted immigrants who are part of key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Despite the Trump administration assuring that the raids focus on violent criminals, Shi emphasized that these actions have impacted essential workers who contribute significantly to the U.S. economy.
In addition, the threat of arrests and ICE raids has caused many individuals to stay home, miss work, or even cancel medical appointments for fear of being arrested and deported.
Pro-immigrant organizations have reported an increase in emergency calls from families seeking legal advice or temporary refuge out of fear of being separated.
In light of this situation, immigration lawyers advise workers and merchants to know their rights and to be prepared in case of an encounter with immigration authorities. It is essential not to provide information without the presence of a lawyer and to demand a court order if any type of inspection is attempted.
Frequently Asked Questions about ICE Raids and Their Impact on the Migrant Community
Why is ICE conducting visits to Latino businesses in the United States?
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased its visits to Latino businesses across the country to ensure that all workers have legal documentation to work in the United States. These actions have generated fear and a negative economic impact among the owners and workers of these establishments.
What economic consequences are ICE raids having on Latino businesses?
ICE raids have caused a significant decrease in clientele and revenue for Latin businesses, with some owners reporting losses of up to 50%. The fear of arrest has led the migrant community to avoid leaving their homes, thereby impacting the local economy.
How can migrants protect themselves during ICE raids?
Immigration lawyers advise migrants to know their rights, not to provide information without the presence of a lawyer, and to request a judicial order if an inspection is attempted. It is essential to be prepared and seek legal counsel to protect oneself against potential detentions.
Which economic sectors are being most impacted by ICE raids?
ICE raids are severely impacting sectors such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare, which heavily rely on immigrant labor. The absence of immigrant workers could reduce the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the United States by 4.2%.
What measures is the Trump administration taking regarding illegal immigration?
The Trump administration has intensified deportations, focusing on individuals with criminal records, although the collateral effects of these policies have impacted essential workers and entire communities. The government has expanded the powers of ICE and has implemented measures to swiftly deport immigrants who entered under programs such as humanitarian parole and CBP One.
Filed under:
