Mariachi Plaza, a vibrant gathering place in Boyle Heights, was eerily quiet this Father’s Day morning, a stark contrast to its usual bustling atmosphere. Mayor Karen Bass noticed the vacuum in activity as she toured the community, which has been significantly impacted by recent federal immigration raids.
Just a week following the commencement of these raids, fear has gripped the predominantly Latino, working-class neighborhood just east of downtown Los Angeles. Bass described the scene, saying, “Mariachi Plaza was completely empty. There was not a soul there.”
She visited various small businesses with Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, including notable spots like Casa Fina and Birrieria De Don Boni. Their visits unveiled the extent of the panic, with residents of nearby Estrada Courts public housing hesitant to step outside for Father’s Day celebrations.
“It’s the uncertainty that continues that has an absolute economic impact,” Bass reflected. The mayor compared the empty streets to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that they felt similarly desolate.
Restaurant owners voiced their struggles, stating conditions are worse now than during the pandemic. During COVID-19, they experienced a surge in to-go orders, but this time, they are seeing a significant decline in patronage.
“People aren’t ordering, and people probably aren’t ordering because they’re not working,” Bass suggested, highlighting the interplay between employment and local spending.
Assemblymember Gonzalez recounted a particularly emotional visit, recalling a restaurant owner in tears. “He said, ‘It’s so empty. I’ve never seen it like this, and I don’t know how we can survive this,’ ” he shared.
In addressing the implications of these raids, Gonzalez directed his criticism toward President Donald Trump, emphasizing the vital role immigrants play in California’s economy. “For somebody who’s supposed to be business oriented, he sure is allowing local businesses to sink and have the effect that these raids are having,” he stated.
Bass reinforced these sentiments, warning that entire sectors depend on immigrant labor, mentioning the Fashion District and the construction industry. There are concerns that fear from these raids could hinder recovery efforts in disaster-stricken areas like Pacific Palisades, which rely heavily on immigrant labor.
In an interview with CNN, Bass characterized the disruptions caused by the raids as a “body blow to our economy.” She urged Angelenos to support local businesses, stating, “Let’s show up, support them and send a message: LA stands with you.”
The repercussions of mass protests against the immigration policies have also taken a toll on dining establishments across downtown Los Angeles. Vandalism in the Civic Center and Little Tokyo exacerbated the economic strain, adding to the existing challenges posed by the pandemic and ongoing strikes in the entertainment industry.
Additionally, an indefinite curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. has emptied downtown’s nightlife scene, further hitting businesses hard. This measure was implemented following requests from downtown’s business community, who expressed concerns about the disturbances affecting their operations.
In summary, the combination of immigration raids, economic uncertainty, and recent protests has created a perfect storm for Boyle Heights and downtown Los Angeles, leaving businesses struggling to survive amid a climate of fear and disruption.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-06-16/mayor-bass-decries-economic-impact-of-immigration-raids-on-l-a
