Overview

Nearly a year after significant immigration raids began in Los Angeles, the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to impact businesses in Latino shopping centers. Despite the absence of ICE officers, fear among shoppers and employees has led to a decline in foot traffic and community engagement.

Business owners report that families are opting for quick trips to purchase essentials rather than spending time at malls, reminiscent of behaviors seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key details

  • ICE raids in Los Angeles have created a lingering fear among Latino shoppers.
  • Shoppers and employees are reducing their time spent in malls located in Latino neighborhoods.
  • Family outings to shopping centers have decreased, with many opting for quick visits instead.
  • Business owners are experiencing a downturn in sales and customer attendance.
  • Community events, including job fairs and holiday celebrations, have seen reduced participation.
  • Landlords report that the fear of potential ICE raids is affecting customer behavior.
  • Sandy Sigal, a mall operator, noted that even legal residents fear being caught up in immigration enforcement actions.
  • NewMark Merrill Cos., which manages over 110 shopping centers, serves millions of Latino shoppers.
  • Emad Dalati, a UPS store owner, mentioned a significant drop in returning customers.
  • ICE arrests have decreased recently, with immigration detention numbers also falling.
  • Despite this, ICE plans to remove 1 million individuals in the coming fiscal years.
  • Congress has allocated over $170 billion to the Department of Homeland Security for immigration enforcement.

Context

The ongoing fear surrounding ICE operations has created an atmosphere of anxiety in Latino communities, affecting not only shopping habits but also community cohesion and local economies.

What happens next

As the situation evolves, business owners and community leaders will need to navigate the ongoing impacts of immigration enforcement on consumer behavior and community engagement.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific locations of recent ICE raids, the long-term effects on local businesses, and the exact nature of community responses to these fears remain unconfirmed.