CHICAGO (WGN) — Fear of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids has reportedly kept locals home, causing a devastating effect on restaurants and small businesses in the Little Village neighborhood.
Some eateries say they have seen revenue plunge by up to 70 percent, painting a bleak picture for many Chicago immigrants and area restaurant owners.
“We have to find a way to survive,” said owner David Galecio, who added that he has seen a 60-to-70 percent drop in revenues at his Mexican restaurant, Atardecer Acapulqueño, in the 2900 block of W Cermak.
Longtime customers told WGN-TV they were too afraid of ICE immigration arrests to spend time outside. So, restaurant owners are trying to lure their customers back.
“We try to make them feel safe and to make ourselves feel safe in our workplace,” Galecio said.
Some restaurant managers have implemented locking their doors and posting signs that warn the public of ICE, while also making it clear that federal agents are not welcome.
Other measures local restaurants have taken include cutting days and hours.
“I’m giving them fewer hours,” Galecio lamented. “And one to two days of work, so they at least have some income to take home.”
Sam Tonia, with the Illinois Restaurant Association, said restaurants in Pilsen, Little Village, Logan Square, Belmont Cragin, and other heavily Latino neighborhoods will continue to see empty storefronts along their streets if fear among the community continues.
“We are also learning that a lot of team members aren’t coming to work,” Tonia said. “Upwards of 20 percent because they are just scared!”
The Little Village Chamber of Commerce is launching a new campaign to support businesses and protect the community, to try to counteract the ongoing situation.
“Now more than ever, we need our friends, corporate partners, and allies to show up for Little Village,” Little Village’s Chamber of Commerce wrote.
Tonia added that he worries about the lasting impact on eateries across the neighborhood.
“It is hurting sales,” Tonia said. “It’s hurting employees. It is hurting small independent restaurants.”
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