Latino businesses still fearful amid ICE sightings 8 months after Operation Metro Surge
Pioneer Press
Despite the passage of eight months since Operation Metro Surge, Latino business owners across the region remain fearful of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. The operation, which focused on increasing enforcement against undocumented immigrants, left a lasting impact on these communities.
"We're still living with the fear," said Maria González, owner of a small grocery store in a predominantly Latino neighborhood. "Every time there's a knock at the door, our hearts skip a beat."
Many business owners report increased vigilance from customers and employees, who are now more cautious about their interactions with law enforcement. Some have even installed security cameras and reinforced doors and windows as a precautionary measure.
"It's a constant worry," Juan Pérez, owner of a local restaurant, expressed. "We just want to run our businesses and serve our customers, but the uncertainty is draining."
The impact of Operation Metro Surge has been felt across various industries, from grocery stores and restaurants to hair salons and dry cleaners. Business owners share stories of customers canceling appointments or orders out of concern for their immigration status or that of their family members.
"We've seen a significant drop in business," Isabel Rodríguez, owner of a beauty salon, noted. "People are afraid to come in, and even when they do, they're anxious and on edge."
The lasting effects of the operation highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Latino communities in the wake of heightened immigration enforcement. As fear persists, business owners remain hopeful that a more stable and supportive environment will emerge in the future.