Protests in Santa Ana expressing opposition to ICE raids affecting local residents.
Santa Ana is experiencing heightened fear and economic downturn due to intensified federal immigration raids. Over 50 residents were detained recently, deeply impacting local businesses. Many owners report drastic declines in sales; some as much as 90%. The community’s unrest has led to protests against ICE, with incidents of confrontation with law enforcement. As federal actions escalate, the climate of fear and uncertainty continues to affect the local population and economy.
Santa Ana is grappling with increased fear and economic decline as federal immigration raids have intensified in the community. The raids, which have expanded beyond previously targeted locations like Home Depots and car washes, have reportedly detained at least 50 residents in Orange County this week alone. The situation escalated when a longtime resident was apprehended by immigration agents while recycling cans and bottles last Sunday morning.
In response to the heightened federal presence, Santa Ana Councilman Jonathan Hernandez, who lives nearby, alerted residents in Spanish about the arrival of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. This marked the first occasion ICE had been sighted within the neighborhood, prompting significant concern among local residents.
Local business owners are feeling the economic impact of these federal actions, reporting a drastic decline in sales as fear permeates the community. For instance, Laura Diaz, the owner of the popular restaurant Perla, stated that she has experienced a staggering 90% drop in business since the initiation of the raids. This decline has led to cancelled reservations, including one that was supposed to host 25 people.
Many other business owners are experiencing similar issues, with reports indicating sales have fallen to less than 10% of normal figures. Jazmine Ruiz, who runs Orale Nutrition, expressed that her clientele is anxious and uncertain, significantly reducing customer visits to her establishment. The heightened anxiety has also led to increased traffic into these businesses becoming almost negligible, with previously bustling shopping centers now appearing nearly empty.
The fear within the community has been compounded by the visible military presence outside the Ronald Reagan Federal Building, deterring customers and leading to protests. On June 9, protests against ICE’s actions drew large crowds, escalating from approximately 100 participants to over 1,000. Law enforcement declared this gathering an unlawful assembly, resulting in multiple arrests amid confrontations that involved the use of tear gas and crowd-control measures.
The increased ICE activity in Santa Ana follows a period of relaxed restrictions on immigration enforcement by the Trump administration, which has allowed agents to operate in areas previously considered “sensitive locations.” This change in policy has led to heightened tensions within communities, especially with an estimated 236,000 undocumented immigrants residing in Orange County.
In light of these developments, community unrest has surged, with protests against ICE’s actions spreading throughout various Southern California cities, including Fullerton and Anaheim. Resources to support students and staff at California State University, Fullerton, have also been made available, providing education about rights in interactions with ICE.
Congressman Lou Correa has condemned the recent ICE raids and advocated for more effective and humane approaches to immigration enforcement. The Santa Ana Police Department has reiterated its commitment to California’s Values Act, confirming that it does not engage in immigration enforcement activities.
The combination of increased raids and a visible federal presence has created a climate of fear among residents, severely impacting local businesses and escalating community activism against these actions. As tensions rise, the situation in Santa Ana remains fluid, with ongoing developments expected as the community continues to respond to the federal government’s immigration practices.
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