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Immigration raids in Los Angeles hit small business owners: 'It's worse than COVID'

A third of California's workers are immigrants and 40 percent of its entrepreneurs are foreign-born, according to the American Immigration Council.

A seller from Guatemala, prepares tortillas on a street in Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 16, 2025. / REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Juan Ibarra stands outside his fruit and vegetable outlet in Los Angeles' vast fresh produce market, the place in the city center where Hispanic restaurateurs, street vendors and taco truck operators buy supplies every day.

On June 16 morning, the usually bustling market was largely empty. Since Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials began conducting immigration raids more than a week ago, including at a textile factory two blocks away, Ibarra said business has virtually dried up.

Also Read: US reverses guidance pausing ICE raids on farms, hotels and restaurants, WaPo reports

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