Salazar, in light of recent events, has found it necessary to temporarily suspend operations in order to safeguard the welfare of herself and her staff, a reaction largely prompted by the increasing trepidation among clientele of potential ICE raids. To maintain some form of revenue stream during this period of closure, she is exploring opportunities in the catering business. She candidly admits, ‘The duration of this suspension is currently unknown to me’.
An analogous situation is playing out in the Los Angeles suburb of Wilmington, where a previously vibrant farmers market has ceased operations. Similar distress narratives and arising difficulties have been reported across the breadth and length of the state, validating a pervasive phenomenon.
In the Mission District of San Francisco, noted for its predominantly Latino population, the proprietor of a well-known Mexican restaurant is battling his own anxieties. He has begun prepping his staff for potential scenarios that could transpire. His conviction is unwavering that the safety of his staff is a top priority, and he has initiated precautions to assure their security.
As per the Migration Policy Institute’s calculations, in the year 2019, the number of undocumented immigrants employed in California’s hospitality and food services, the arts industry, and the entertainment and recreational sectors, was upwards of a quarter million.
Laurie Thomas, serving in the capacity of executive director for the association, iterates the toll that ongoing uncertainties exact, not just on the dining establishments, but also on families, staff, and patrons. The anxiety spreads like ripples, affecting everyone tied in some way to these establishments.
Nonetheless, there has been an act of resistance by certain California restaurateurs who continue their operations undeterred. The proprietor and culinary director at El Barrio Cantina in Long Beach, for example, has held his stand. His resolution is to keep his restaurant functioning as a community hub.
In reference to the hospitality industry he articulates, ‘The underpinning of this industry largely rests upon immigrant labor.’ Defying the odds, he further affirms, ‘Our doors will remain open for business.’