How street vendors navigate the fear of ICE | amNewYork

"When ICE agents raided street vendors in Chinatown this fall, it sparked not only backlash from bystanders but also crippling fear among street vendors across the city, regardless of what they're selling. Since ICE raids have increased in major cities, including New York, immigrants have been repeatedly targeted at homes, workplaces and court hearings. Street vendors, most of whom are immigrants, are among those targeted as they try to earn a living."

"Since the president sent ICE to New York City, most of the vendors in my community have run, said Calvin Baker, a street vendor from Harlem. They've had to run, so it's hard for them to make money. They sneak out maybe once or twice a week, hoping their things or themselves won't be confiscated. If your things are taken, you have to show who you are. And if you can't prove citizenship, they're looking for immigrants."

"Many immigrants choose street vending as a source of income because of its low start-up costs and fewer barriers to entry. Among immigrant mobile food vendors, 27% are undocumented, while 39% are permanent residents or naturalized citizens. Another 30% preferred not to answer, according to the study. Among general merchandise vendors who are immigrants, 67% are permanent residents or naturalized citizens, while 13% are undocumented. Nineteen percent preferred not to answer."

Ninety-six percent of New York City street vendors are immigrants. The city has about 23,000 street vendors, with the largest populations in Queens and Manhattan. ICE raids in major cities, including New York, have increased, and immigrants are being targeted at homes, workplaces and court hearings. A Chinatown raid provoked bystander backlash and spread crippling fear among vendors citywide, causing many to reduce work frequency to avoid detention or confiscation. Many immigrants choose street vending for low start-up costs and fewer barriers to entry. Among immigrant mobile food vendors, 27% are undocumented and 39% are permanent residents or naturalized citizens; among immigrant general merchandise vendors, 67% are permanent residents or naturalized citizens and 13% are undocumented.

Read at www.amny.com