Street vendors who normally would be out in force selling flowers and stuffed animals for Valentine’s Day celebrations appear to be skipping the potential sales this weekend.
Many said the numbers of vendors are down and believe a fear of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the reason why.
“That brings the anxiety level up,” said Misrayn Mendoza, an organizer with immigrant rights group Amigos de Guadalupe. “The fear level to the top.”
Mendoza said the fear of ICE is real, especially after rumored crackdowns during Super Bowl week.
And with ICE reportedly leaving Minnesota, Mendoza said the community worries the agents might be coming to the Bay Area next, so few people are leaving their homes.
“Our community is walking on needles,” Mendoza said.