In a recent development, Democrat California Senator Alex Padilla inadvertently highlighted the impact of mass deportations on Los Angeles' local economy.
This revelation came after he posted a video on his X account, discussing the noticeable decline in foot traffic in the Boyle Heights area. This neighborhood, known for its vibrant community, has seen a downturn in business activity, which Padilla attributes to the increase in deportations under President Donald Trump's administration.
According to the Daily Caller, President Trump's stringent immigration policies have led to a surge in deportations, particularly in sanctuary cities like Los Angeles.
In his video, Padilla remarked, "Hi, this is Senator Alex Padilla here in Boyle Heights, just outside of downtown Los Angeles, in one of LAs most iconic, historic, and vibrant neighborhoods, typically. But ever since Trumps ICE raids really began in earnest in early June, youve seen not just a drop in foot traffic, pedestrian activity here in the community, but all the business owners here have seen a significant drop in business."
He further noted that many customers are now "too afraid to come out and shop, too afraid to come out and eat," citing La Chispa de Oro as an example of affected local businesses.
Padilla urged residents to support immigrant-owned businesses as a form of protest against the administration's policies. "So for folks who are wondering what they can do to push back, what they can do to counter this Trump crackdown, you can protest with your wallet. Come support a small business, immigrant-owned business in these diverse communities as part of our pushback," he added.
The situation in Los Angeles escalated in early June, with riots and protests erupting in response to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. These demonstrations quickly turned violent, resulting in significant property damage, including burning cars and vandalized police vehicles near federal buildings.
Despite the substantial financial toll on the city, California Democrats remain steadfast in their opposition to the deportation measures. On June 12, during a press conference, Padilla was forcibly removed while attempting to question Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, underscoring the ongoing tensions between state officials and the federal government over immigration enforcement.
Login