The Latino community in Los Angeles is in a state of fear as President Trump’s stringent immigration policies and rumors of an impending federal operation loom over the city. The leaked information regarding a planned citywide Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at the end of the month has left Central and South American residents on edge. Even legal immigrants are wary of potential encounters with federal authorities. Local sources have reported that individuals are hesitant to engage in normal activities such as shopping, using public transportation, or dropping their children off at school.
The anxiety has extended to legal residents with past criminal convictions, who fear being apprehended and deported. Even those with clean records are being cautious and monitoring their actions closely. Lorena Sanchez, a daughter of Mexican immigrants who works for a nonprofit housing organization, highlighted the pervasive sense of trepidation within the community. She emphasized that people, regardless of their immigration status, are living in fear. Clients have expressed concerns about being stopped by authorities, especially if they are on probation, raising worries about potential detention for themselves, their children, or their neighbors.
The atmosphere of fear has led to a reluctance to utilize public transportation or attend religious services due to the Trump administration’s policy permitting immigration agents to target places of worship. Parents are particularly anxious about taking their children to school, fearing possible ambushes by ICE agents. Cgicuei Dominguez, a student in a predominantly Latino high school, articulated the prevailing unease among families, with worries about the separation of loved ones being a significant concern.
The impact of this climate of fear is also felt in Latino-owned businesses across Los Angeles. Sandra Tello, a Guatemalan immigrant who co-owns a mariachi costume shop in Boyle Heights, a historic Latino neighborhood, shared how the fear of ICE raids has deterred customers. She noted that people are refraining from making purchases, with even individuals possessing legal documentation being cautious due to concerns about potential run-ins with the law.
Despite the prevailing apprehension, there is a sense of resilience among the community members. Jorge Tello, Sandra’s brother and business partner, expressed optimism that business would eventually rebound. He acknowledged the current caution among people but remained hopeful for a brighter future. Meanwhile, Jane B., a Mexican-American worker in a family-owned sundry shop, mentioned that many of her neighbors and acquaintances have altered their routines to avoid encounters with ICE. However, she noted that these individuals, despite their fears of deportation, exhibit a sense of resolve and determination, having faced adversity before.
President Trump’s immigration policies, particularly targeting “sanctuary cities” in California and other blue states, have heightened tensions and uncertainties within the Latino community. Amidst the pervasive fear and uncertainty, there remains a strong sense of resilience and solidarity among individuals navigating the challenges posed by the current immigration climate.
