Latino Businesses Suffering After Recent ICE Raids

CHARLOTTE, NC– “Our business is down probably 30-35 %,” said Cuzcatlan restaurant owner, Manuel Ramirez. Manuel Ramirez owns Cuzcatlan restaurant on Central Avenue. It’s dinner time and it’s empty. Ramirez says it’s been like this since ICE raids began two weeks ago. “People are scared that’s why they are not coming out,” said Ramirez.

Immigration attorney Mo Idlibby says with President Trump’s new orders families have reason to be afraid. “It’s a completely different immigration landscape,” said Idlibby. Idlibby says there’s not just targeting criminals, they’re detaining everyone. “Single mothers who’ve been here for more than 10 years who have U.S citizen children, are getting pulled over for simple no license traffic ticket,” said Idlibby. Idlibby says before there’s a hearing or conviction they’re being detained and bussed to a Georgia detention center. Which is why families are living in fear. “They’re not patronizing, it’s going to affect the economy, folks might lose their jobs, employers are going to lose employees, it’s going to have a ripple effect,” said Idlibby.

One of a few tables filled at Cuzcatlan Tuesday is two American women. They’re hoping others will help these businesses feeling the impact. “We’ve challenged our friends to eat at at least one immigrant-owned restaurant each week,” said East Charlotte resident, Leslie Dwyer.

Ramirez is hopeful more will follow her lead and the Latino community can soon feel safe leaving their homes again. “If this continues the way it is it’s going to be very difficult for us to meet our expenses,” said Ramirez.