LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A rising sense of worry and uncertainty is spreading via immigrant communities throughout the nation following a wave of current ICE raids. Within the Las Vegas valley, the impression is being felt in deep, private methods, even resulting in the short-term closure of a well-liked North Las Vegas market.
What was a busy weekend hotspot is now quiet as Broadacres Market, a beloved swap meet within the northeast valley, has briefly closed.
“They are scared, a lot of them are afraid to go out just around the corner to even buy anything because they don’t really know any minute ICE can show up and have their life flipped around,” Las Vegas resident Juan Cardenas mentioned.
Cardenas mentioned his circle of relatives hasn’t been affected, however the nervousness in his neighborhood is difficult to disregard.
“They don’t know where it’s safe anymore, even in their own local community areas,” Cardenas mentioned. “They’re scared just to even hang out now, a lot of times, because at any moment they feel like it can be the last time living here in this country.”
Group leaders mentioned this local weather of worry is having far-reaching impacts, not simply on households, but in addition on the native economic system.
“The majority of immigrants that come here are law-abiding folks, hard-working, just trying to make a better life for themselves,” mentioned Peter Guzman, president of the Latin Chamber of Commerce.
Guzman mentioned the answer is complete immigration reform.
“It would give those the access to come here and contribute in the best way possible,” he mentioned. “Hispanic immigrants have opened a tremendous number of businesses in Las Vegas. They’re paying taxes and so that’s why we are so adamant about a comprehensive immigration reform to allow those that are doing it the right way to be able to do it the right way.”
