September 29, 2025

Boyle Heights Restaurants Struggling Amid ICE Raids

News Summary

Boyle Heights restaurants are facing significant revenue losses due to fear stemming from recent ICE raids, with many businesses experiencing up to 50% drop in customers. Owners report financial hardships and reduced staff hours, while community efforts emerge to support affected establishments. Local leaders, including Mayor Karen Bass, are actively addressing the economic fallout and offering resources to assist struggling businesses, highlighting the importance of immigrant labor in the neighborhood’s economy.

Boyle Heights is experiencing a significant downturn in revenue at local restaurants as many business owners report devastating impacts from recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. A survey conducted by Boyle Heights Beat revealed that upwards of a dozen restaurants are facing customer losses of 50% or more due to fear surrounding immigration enforcement issues. The ongoing climate of fear has resulted in businesses seeing a reduction in foot traffic, with some owners describing the atmosphere in the community as “kind of scary.”

Several restaurant owners have reported substantial financial losses, with one owner estimating losses to be around $15,000 since the onset of the raids. Melchor Moreno, the proprietor of La Chispa de Oro, indicated that his restaurant has suffered a loss exceeding $7,000 since the raids began on June 6. To manage reduced income, Moreno has made the decision to close his restaurant on Tuesdays throughout the summer months. With the significant drop in sales, restaurant owners are not only struggling to maintain their businesses but also facing decisions about staffing; many have reduced employee hours or taken on additional roles such as washing dishes themselves.

In addition to lowering revenues, tips for restaurant staff have decreased, which has placed additional financial strain on employees who rely on this form of income. Business owners are also grappling with the lingering financial difficulties that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic, compounding their current challenges. At Casa Fina, the prospect of laying off staff or potentially closing permanently is being discussed as owners navigate these economic hurdles.

The fear of ICE raids has created a dilemma for many undocumented workers who risk their safety by going to work. Some restaurants are proactively taking measures to protect their establishments, such as displaying signs forbidding ICE from entering. Members of the community are also stepping up, offering to watch over vulnerable restaurants during this tumultuous time.

Local leaders are stepping in to offer support to the affected community. Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the crippling economic impact of the raids on Boyle Heights, referring to it as a “body blow” to the neighborhood. The City has opened a Business Recovery Center designed to provide resources and information on loans to businesses facing these hardships. Supervisor Hilda Solis has initiated an economic impact report to assess the raids’ effects and is planning a fundraising initiative for families affected by these developments.

In addition, Miriam Rodriguez, president of the Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce, is advocating for direct financial assistance for small businesses dealing with crises like the current situation. The uncertainty surrounding federal immigration policies continues to instill fear within the community, deeply affecting local economic stability. A workshop titled “Know Your Rights” has also been organized to inform community members on how to handle potential encounters with ICE agents.

Representatives from the California Restaurant Association, including Jot Condie, underscored the critical role of immigrant labor in sustaining the local economy. Carlos Ortez, owner of Un Solo Sol, shared concerns regarding anticipated business losses of up to 50% since the raids began, highlighting the risk of closure if conditions do not improve. Moreover, many businesses are contending with additional restrictions, such as an imposed curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., established in response to civil unrest, which further impacts sales. Despite these challenges, local community members are rallying to support their beloved restaurants, underscoring the cultural significance these establishments hold in their neighborhood.

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Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER

LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana

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