Immigration Raids Devastate LA Fashion District, Immigrant Communities and Businesses Reeling

Businesses in Los Angeles’ Fashion District are facing serious economic harm due to recent immigration raids that have frightened customers and workers. Federal operations that began in June—part of the Trump administration’s crackdown—have targeted businesses with search warrants and detentions, sending a chilling message to immigrant communities. At Ambience Apparel, officers in tactical gear detained workers after accusing the owner of using false documents. This display of force has caused widespread fear among shoppers and employees.

Kia Shadi, owner of Olympic Men’s Collection, described the devastating impact: “Ever since this happened, it went down a lot — more than 50%,” he said. “Foot traffic is, I would say, mostly dead. And people have a kind of phobia, far or close. They’re calling us, ‘Are you guys open? 

Are you guys safe? Everything is OK in downtown?’ And that affects us.” Shadi, who has operated his business for more than 18 years, said the community is deeply shaken. “The shadow and the heaviest of the existing is existence of this matter in downtown LA or even could be far from downtown,” he explained. “But as far as the topic still exists people have that fear it could affect them if they come across downtown.”

Community advocates argue that the raids are an attack on immigrant livelihoods. Ron Gochez of Union Del Barrio highlighted the essential role of migrants: “The Fashion District is where we see that both the people who produce, who sell and who buy a lot of these items are migrants and immigrants. And so we shouldn't be surprised that a lot of people are simply staying away.” 

His words point to the broader harm caused by federal enforcement, which not only disrupts businesses but threatens the social fabric of neighborhoods built by immigrant labor and culture.

The Supreme Court’s decision to lift restrictions on immigration operations in Los Angeles has cleared the way for more aggressive tactics, signaling that the fear gripping these communities will likely persist. For those who oppose ICE’s actions, the raids are a cruel reminder of policies that criminalize hardworking families, destabilize local economies, and punish entire communities simply for existing and contributing.

Link:  NBC Los Angeles