EAST LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Retailers and restaurants in East Los Angeles say fears over potential immigration enforcement are dampening what should be a busy Valentine's Day weekend, with some owners warning the anxiety is keeping workers and customers away.
Owners along one commercial block in El Sereno said Thursday they are concerned that ongoing fears about ICE operations could jeopardize their businesses.
El Sereno Greengrocer, a small independent market opened three years ago by neighborhood residents to provide affordable food, is among those feeling the impact.
Co-owner Erika Crenshaw said the store relies heavily on workforce stability that is now shaken by fear of potential immigration raids, which she believes has led to reduced staffing, supply delays, and fewer shoppers.
"Right now, Congress is considering additional funding for DHS enforcement operations," she said. "What that means for a business like this one – and many throughout El Sereno and L.A. – is this: more fear, less stability and direct economic harm. When workers are afraid, they don't show up. When suppliers lose team members overnight, deliveries stop. When our customers are worried about their family's safety, they can't focus on feeding their children healthy food."
Alysia Bell, president of UNITE-LA, echoed that message.
"We are urging Congress to reject additional DHS enforcement funding and instead prioritize investments that strength workforce stability," Bell said.
East L.A. restaurant owner Sam Robles said his business, La Carreta Mexican Restaurant, said businesses and others in his community are suffering due to the fear of raids.
"Throughout the last eight months, whenever there's been a ICE sighting in our neighborhood, it's quickly posted on social media, and within minutes, the streets go silent – no more traffic, no more people," Robles said. "Everyone goes into hiding. You can feel the tension in the air. Usually, we decide to close for the rest of the day. We know what follows … an empty restaurant, and for the following week or so, fewer customers."
Businesses in El Sereno and other Los Angeles neighborhoods say fears of ICE activity continue to impact day-to-day operations – ABC7 Los Angeles
