"Federal agents swept L.A.'s Fashion District on Thursday, rattling workers and shoppers while forcing some businesses to close, deepening fears from last summer's raids. The raids have devastated the predominantly Latino shopping district, with some business owners reporting 80% sales declines since June's enforcement operations. The timing of this sweep worsens an already dire situation: the slow post-holiday retail season coincides with ongoing economic devastation from last June's raids."
"In the Fashion District on Friday morning, workers hoisted up the metal grates protecting storefronts, strung up canopies and set up racks of clothing and signs advertising sales for $1 accessories, $2 shirts. Browsing lacy stockings and harnesses at Wendy's Lingerie on Maple Avenue, Faith Avila, 24, and her friend had no idea that a mere 24 hours before, the intersection a few yards away had been locked down by federal agents. Or that the store she was browsing in had shut down the rest of the day as a result."
Federal agents conducted an immigration sweep in Los Angeles' Fashion District, prompting closures and unsettling shoppers and workers. The raids have left the predominantly Latino shopping area economically damaged, with some owners reporting declines of up to 80% in sales since June enforcement operations. The sweep's timing compounded problems amid a slow post-holiday retail season, worsening financial strain. Vendors prepared storefronts and advertised steep low-price sales as business slowed. Shoppers reported being unaware of recent lockdowns nearby or of same-day closures affecting stores. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said federal immigration agents would continue to operate in the city.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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