News Summary
Latino small business owners in Phoenix are struggling amid heightened fears of deportation due to immigration crackdowns. Sales have sharply declined, impacting various establishments at the Phoenix Marketplace. Owners express their concerns as the atmosphere of fear has driven customers away, leading to an economic downturn. Despite the challenges, initiatives supporting Latino entrepreneurs aim to foster resilience and community collaboration within the struggling sector.
Phoenix’s Latino Small Business Owners Face Tough Times Amid Immigration Crackdown
In sunny Phoenix, the vibrant Latino community is feeling the pinch as small business owners struggle to stay afloat amid heightened fears of deportation sweeping through the area. One major hub for this community, the Phoenix Marketplace, is home to an array of stores that cater mostly to Latinos and Latino immigrants, including a charming shop owned by Mauricio Quiroz, who sells popular soccer jerseys and shorts.
Before January 20, 2017, Quiroz enjoyed bustling sales that peaked at an impressive $300-$400 on weekdays, with weekends bringing in even more, soaring to between $600-$800. However, following the inauguration of President Trump and the subsequent crackdowns on immigration, sales have plummeted. Quiroz now finds himself raking in only about $200-$400 on weekends, as many families choose to stay home, too afraid of becoming targets for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
A Rampant Fear Gripping the Community
The chilling atmosphere is echoed among other business owners at the Phoenix Marketplace. Many share Quiroz’s concerns as they report significant drops in their sales. With ICE carrying out aggressive operations, the immigrant community has adopted a strategy of avoidance, staying out of public spaces and major shopping areas to escape encounters with authorities. This has put a serious dent in their usual spending habits, fueling a cycle of economic decline.
Monica Villalobos, representing the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, described this impact as undermining broader economic goals, including those promoted by the Trump administration’s “Make America Great Again” mantra. Business owners are reaching out daily, lamenting no-shows from employees due to overwhelming fear of arrest.
Statistics speak volumes about the situation. Last year, immigrants without legal status accounted for about $422 million in sales and excise taxes in Arizona, contributing roughly 2.3% of local and state tax revenue. With nearly 80% of residents in Maryvale identifying as Latino, the situation has reached crisis levels.
The Ripple Effect on Local Businesses
Even in entertainment, Claudia Curiel has found her circus concession sales slashed as ticket attendance plunged from 80%-90% to 50%-40% due to the prevailing immigration worries. It’s clear that the climate of fear is impacting every facet of business in the area.
Entrepreneurial Spirit Shines Through
Despite these challenges, the entrepreneurial spirit within the community continues to thrive, aided by initiatives like Local First Arizona’s Fuerza Local Business Accelerator program. This initiative has supported over 800 Latino entrepreneurs since its inception, providing vital resources that help businesses navigate troubled waters. Participants in the program, such as Concepción Jiménez and Luis Antonio Fuentes Olmos, have successfully established their ventures, demonstrating resilience amid adversity.
Community collaboration is a vital component in these trying times. Clothing brand Working Class Cultura, co-owned by Ray Cruz, emphasizes the working-class spirit of the Latino community through local artist collaborations. With a focus on community-centered branding and local relationships, businesses are taking steps to build trust and awareness among residents before expanding further into the market.
As these small business owners in Phoenix continue to face uphill challenges, it’s essential to remember the resilience and unity of the Latino community. By supporting one another, sharing resources, and fostering collaboration, they can begin to navigate through these testing times and emerge stronger together.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Arizona Businesses See Sales Decline Following ICE Arrests
- Fuerza Local Helps Strengthen Dozens of Latino Businesses in Phoenix
- How Working Class Cultura Celebrates Phoenix Latinos
- Google Search: Latino Businesses Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Immigration in the United States
