Businesses in downtown Los Angeles’ Fashion District have experienced dwindling sales since immigration raids that began in the summer have spooked clientele.
The downtown area, known for its array of clothing items and accessories for various occasions, typically experiences bustling crowds on weekends. However, some business owners say they’ve noticed plummeting sales and less foot traffic since federal operations began.
Search warrants served in several downtown businesses in early June began a trend of raids that spread across the Southland under the order of the Trump administration. Officers in tactical gear were seen detaining people at Ambience Apparel, whose owner was accused of using fictitious documents to employ people.
Kia Shadi, who owns Olympic Men’s Collection in downtown LA, said his business was impacted by the operations.
“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 has owned his business for more than 18 years and he said he and neighboring business owners worry that the continued fear of immigration raids is keeping customers away.
“The shadow and the heaviest of the existing is existence of this matter in downtown LA or even could be far from downtown,” Shadi said. “But as far as the topic still exists people have that fear it could affect them if they come across downtown.”
Ron Gochez, a member of nonprofit Union Del Barrio, said the downturn in business shouldn’t come as a shock.
“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,” he said. “And so we shouldn’t be surprised that a lot of people are simply staying away.”
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a restriction on tactics used during immigration operations in LA, clearing the way for federal agents to continue with their enforcements.
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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