East San Jose Businesses ⁤Struggle Amidst Immigration Fears

SAN JOSE, Calif. – ⁣Businesses in East San Jose, predominantly owned by immigrants, are reporting significant revenue declines and reduced customer traffic ‌following‍ heightened concerns about federal immigration enforcement earlier this year.

Fear and ​False Reports Impact Local ‌Economy

The climate of fear intensified within the ​undocumented immigrant community after a January immigration and customs enforcement operation near a ‍Target store on Story Road.⁣ Even though no subsequent public ICE activity has occurred in the immediate vicinity,business owners report that persistent anxiety and ‌misinformation continue too deter customers,impacting their bottom lines.

Jesús Flores, president and executive director of ‌the Latino Business Foundation Silicon Valley, estimates that East San Jose businesses generate ⁤approximately $4.2⁢ million in annual tax revenue and provide around 8,000 jobs.

“The majority of small businesses here, notably ⁣in ‌East San Jose, are local taquerias and bakeries – they are our neighbors,” Flores ⁢said. “We estimate about ‍600 undocumented business owners are facing a double burden:‌ loss of income ​and fear regarding their immigration ⁣status.”

Flores added that a⁢ rapid response network in Santa Clara County, created‍ to monitor ICE activity, ⁣convened dozens of business owners who reported ⁣profit declines ‌of nearly 40%.

Local Business Owner ⁣Speaks ‌Out

Salvador Ibarra, who ⁣has owned ​Tropicana Foods, Bakery & Hot Deli ‍for 30‍ years, operates ‌his supermarket⁣ across ⁣the street from the Target location where the ICE operation took place.

Ibarra expressed frustration that both legitimate and false reports of ICE ‌activity are deterring potential customers⁢ from ⁤visiting the Tropicana shopping center.

“Most of our neighbors who share alleged ‍sightings of ⁢immigration agents act in good faith, but some quickly publish information on social networks before verifying,” Ibarra said. “We have not seen ICE agents around here since the operation earlier this year. I hope people do not avoid the market, as‍ we are all here to protect ourselves, and this is ​a safe community.”

Known affectionately as “Chava” by his⁣ customers, Ibarra can often be found assisting his charcuterie and bakery employees ⁣or helping a customer‍ check their lottery ticket.

Ibarra noted⁢ that​ pedestrian traffic has not recovered ⁢since the increased immigration enforcement presence earlier this⁤ year. “People are really⁢ scared,” Ibarra said. “I hope they return to Tropicana because⁤ we need them, not only for the business; we miss seeing our usual customers in the community.”

Community Efforts to Support Businesses

Earlier this month, Flores, the⁣ Consulate of⁤ Mexico, and District 5 Councilmember Peter Ortiz organized a business exhibition at the Tropicana shopping ⁢center, featuring numerous local business owners.

“From the beginning, I​ have been clear that⁤ the threat of ​indiscriminate enforcement by the federal government represents a crisis with consequences for the entire city of San Jose, including the‌ economy,” Ortiz⁤ said. “I will‌ continue to⁣ fight to​ ensure that the city does everything⁢ possible to keep families safe and united, ​and our essential community of small businesses afloat.”

Juana Renderos,​ owner of J. Store vanessa, advocated for more business exhibition events to provide a financial boost and encourage customers to ⁢return, enhancing security through increased presence.

Renderos suggested ​that city officials could assist by organizing more events and considering rent assistance for ‌small businesses in East San Jose.

“We​ have been struggling since COVID-19,” Renderos said. “After the last elections,we hoped conditions​ would improve for workers and ‍small entrepreneurs like us,but ‍that has not been the case.”