ICE raids heighten fear in Huntington Park

A Latino-majority California city faces fear and economic strain as ICE raids intensify.

Immigration raids reshape Huntington Park economy and social life

Huntington Park, a working class city of more than 50 000 people near Los Angeles, is about 95.6 percent Latino. City officials estimate that as many as 45 percent of residents are undocumented. With raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement increasing, residents say the community feels targeted and tense. CBS News accompanied Council member Jonathan Sanabria to Pacific Boulevard, the citys main street, to document the change. The once busy corridor was described as quiet the day of the visit. Business owners have responded by locking doors or maintaining strict access to protect customers, while insisting that warrants would be required for an entry.

Sanabria says the economic effect is visible in lower sales and tax revenue, warning that fewer dollars mean less money for public services. A CBS News poll cited in the report indicates that overall support for the deportation program has declined since earlier in the year, although support remains higher among Republicans. The city faces a difficult balance between enforcing immigration laws and maintaining a functioning local economy in a tightly knit community.

The piece highlights how enforcement actions ripple beyond crime and law, shaping daily life and trust. A neighborhood with a heavy undocumented population is choosing between access to work and the risk of punishment. The fear can push residents and customers away, hurting local shops and public services.

The article shows a tension between national policy and local needs. Small business owners rely on immigrant labor and customers; raids can destabilize that. The long term risk includes alienating a large portion of the community and eroding faith in local institutions. The call is for clear policies that protect residents while enforcing laws and for local leaders to communicate options that minimize harm to everyday life.

Highlights

Communities deserve safety and fairness without letting fear hollow their streets.