The crackdown on immigration in South Florida is significantly impacting small businesses in Miami-Dade County. According to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of South Florida, sales have plummeted between 40% and 45% in areas like Doral, Miami, and Homestead. The Chamber has reached out to President Donald Trump and Congress, asking them to address the economic fallout from these operations.
Liliam López, the president of the business organization, told Univision 23 Miami that the fear instilled by raids conducted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies is deterring customers and diminishing the pool of available workers in various establishments.
"The economy and sales have decreased by 40 to 45 percent," López noted, highlighting Miami, Doral, and Homestead as the cities most affected by these challenges.
The Impact on Local Industries
Sectors such as restaurants, hotels, agriculture, and construction are experiencing significant setbacks. The Chamber warns that keeping businesses open and retaining employees is becoming increasingly difficult.
In response to these challenges, approximately 200 local leaders signed a letter sent to President Trump and Congress, urging them to implement measures that safeguard businesses and ensure their workers can continue their duties.
Economic Concerns Amidst Immigration Raids
The plea goes beyond the immediate impact of immigration arrests. Business owners argue that fear is altering consumer habits, reducing commercial activity, and complicating hiring processes.
"Without easing these restrictions, the economy will collapse," López cautioned, emphasizing the hurdles businesses face in maintaining their workforce.
Businesses Struggling to Stay Afloat
Already, the consequences are visible in Doral. The owners of Al Pastel, a Venezuelan food business, announced they would cease operations by the end of October after several years of serving the community.
"A business cannot survive with empty chairs," the owners stated while discussing their decision.
Another entrepreneur, Mhanna El Keis Badaoiu, who owns Shawarmas Beirut Miami, shared that many customers are avoiding establishments for fear of encountering immigration agents.
"The situation we're facing is not easy, and unfortunately, people are afraid to go out," he observed.
Employment and Economic Impact
The difficulties extend to employment directly. Angelimar Bonilla, owner of Boni Bakery, reported experiencing extremely low sales days and difficulties in hiring staff.
In another account from Univision, Marco Vannezo, owner of a used car business, explained that the lack of income forced him to cut back on employees' work hours.
"Without sales, payrolls cannot be met," he said, adding that some employees were working only two days a week, with others sent home.
The ripple effect is not confined to business owners losing customers. It also impacts those who rely on these establishments for their livelihood, including immigrant workers afraid to commute to their jobs due to potential detention.
Community Impact and Local Response
In Miami-Dade, home to a large Cuban community, this situation is particularly sensitive for families and workers with pending immigration processes or complex legal situations, such as those with humanitarian permits or I-220A documents.
New estimates from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce provide broader insight into a situation previously reported by business owners across the county. On September 30, small business owners in Miami-Dade recounted significant drops in sales and loss of workers linked to anxiety over immigration operations.
This includes Katia Ríos of Pipo Burgers, who reported a 70% decrease in sales. Other merchants described days with few customers and challenges in keeping their businesses running.
Instances were also documented where employees left their jobs out of fear of detention, even when involved in ongoing asylum applications or other immigration procedures.
The issue holds particular weight for the Cuban community. In April, data on ICE detentions of Cuban immigrants showed a 463% increase between October 2024 and January 2026, underscoring concerns within that community.
In Doral, Mayor Christi Fraga acknowledged the economic impact of immigration fears but noted that municipal authorities cannot interfere with federal agency operations.
The city has also witnessed debates over the 287(g) agreement, a mechanism that allows certain collaborations between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies.
The figures of 40% to 45% losses reported by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce reflect the downturn in businesses in these areas and do not represent an official measurement of sales across all Miami-Dade or the state of Florida.
For affected business owners, the situation is urgent: maintaining payrolls, regaining customers, and preventing further closures amidst ongoing immigration raids. The letter to Trump and Congress seeks to have Washington address these economic and labor-related repercussions.
Understanding the Economic Impact of ICE Raids in South Florida
How have ICE raids impacted sales in South Florida businesses?
Sales have decreased by 40% to 45% in areas like Doral, Miami, and Homestead due to immigration raids.
Which sectors have been most affected by the immigration raids?
Restaurants, hotels, agriculture, and construction have been particularly hard hit by the economic impacts of the raids.
What actions has the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce taken in response to the economic impact of ICE raids?
The Chamber has sent a letter to President Trump and Congress, signed by around 200 local leaders, requesting measures to protect businesses and their workers.