LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A new study from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation indicates that recent immigration raids are having a significant economic impact on several L.A. communities with large immigrant populations.
According to the report, the 10 ZIP codes most affected by ICE activity span from the San Fernando Valley to Pico Rivera and Huntington Park. ZIP code 91402 – which includes Panorama City, Mission Hills and North Hills – was identified as the most vulnerable to both raids and related economic hardship.
At the Plaza Del Valle shopping center in Panorama City, business owners say the impact is visible. One shop owner told Eyewitness News his sales have dropped nearly 50% because of the raids.
Lucy Zuniga, who works at Giovanny’s Barber Shop, said customer traffic has plunged. She told Eyewitness News that many people used to visit the plaza, but now no one comes.
One shopper, who declined to show her identity, said she’s seen a huge drop in customers in recent weeks.
“Usually, it’s very packed, but since the ICE raids, there hasn’t been much activity here,” she said. “The people in the community … they’re scared to come out.”
The county’s economic development report estimates that just under 950,000 undocumented immigrants live in Los Angeles County, representing roughly 25% of the county’s immigrant population.
It also states that undocumented workers generate nearly $254 billion in annual economic output.
For some longtime business owners, the situation is becoming increasingly difficult.
Giuliana Canevaro, who has operated Zegarra Optica at Plaza Del Valle for 10 years, said fear is keeping customers at home. “People are afraid to come out,” she said, adding that the anxiety surrounding immigration raids is hurting businesses throughout the shopping center.
One business owner said its gotten to the point where some of his customers call him to ask if its safe to shop.
As merchants wait to see whether foot traffic will return, many say the financial strain is already severe – and growing.
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