Elected officials and community leaders in northern Orange County gathered on Monday to address the negative impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids on local industries. The tourism, hospitality, and construction sectors are experiencing significant disruptions due to these enforcement activities.
Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, speaking at a press conference outside Buena Park City Hall, stated, “These raids have not made us safer, they’ve made us more afraid.” She emphasized that the raids have removed parents from homes, workers from job sites, and children from classrooms, creating fear and disrupting the local economy.
North Orange County Chamber of Commerce President Andrew Gregson highlighted the immediate challenges faced by businesses, including labor shortages and revenue loss. The region, which relies heavily on immigrant labor, is seeing a significant impact, with undocumented workers playing a critical role in various sectors. According to data prepared by USC Sociology Professor Jody Agius Vallejo, these workers contribute approximately $425 million in state and local taxes annually.
Second District Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento warned that the economy would suffer across all levels, especially in the construction and hospitality industries. He noted that many small businesses, which survived the pandemic, might not withstand the current situation.
Anaheim Councilmember Natalie Rubalcava described the raids as the biggest disruption to the economy since the pandemic in 2020. With a high arrest quota, ICE activities have intensified, leading to increased detention rates and impacting local communities.
The effects are also felt in education, with reduced school attendance and enrollment in ESL and adult education courses. This decline could affect public school funding, as noted by Fullerton Elementary School District trustees Vanessa Estrella and Ruthi Hanchett.
Representatives from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security were unavailable for comment. The ongoing enforcement is part of a broader goal by the Trump Administration to secure the country by targeting individuals with violent criminal charges and reducing illegal border crossings.
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