In Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, street vendors are struggling amidst a backdrop of ICE detentions and protests. Despite the risks of being undocumented, vendors like Celeste Sughey continue to sell food to support their families. They report massive drops in business by about 75%, as customers avoid the area due to fears of ICE raids. Vendor fears are compounded by the tension between law enforcement and protesters, as well as an impending curfew that forces early closures. These circumstances reflect broader themes of immigrant rights, economic survival, and government policy impact.
"This is our only job, this is how we get to survive," Sughey said. She asked that the business not be named out of fear that it could be targeted by federal law enforcement.
All the street vendors I spoke to said they've lost money, estimating that business has dropped by 75% because customers were avoiding ICE raids and the protests.
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