News · Economy
Hispanic businesses in Miami, Doral and Homestead report falling sales because of ICE raids
The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce reports sales drops of 40% to 45% among its members since late August, and of up to 70% at shops in Doral, according to elTOQUE.
Small and medium-sized businesses in South Florida report falling sales and difficulties keeping staff since Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations increased in the area, according to figures gathered by the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) among its members and published by elTOQUE. Some businesses report sales drops of between 40% and 45% since late August and early September.
In Doral, some shopkeepers report sales falling by as much as 70%, and some restaurants report drops of close to 80% in customer traffic, because many families are afraid to leave home. The city is home to a large Venezuelan community that became more vulnerable after the United States ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
"The decline in commercial activity, together with the shortage of labour in key sectors, is creating uncertainty and affecting the economic growth of our cities," Liliam López, president of the SFLHCC, told elTOQUE USA, in remarks translated by Yamacoa. She added that some businesses have lost employees who left their jobs for fear of being detained, even when they had immigration applications pending or valid work permits.
The chamber advises businesses to protect their cash flow, control costs and project revenue, diversify sales channels through e-commerce and home delivery, strengthen internal employment records and keep communication with staff transparent, as well as to lean on accountants, lawyers and business associations.
Sources: elTOQUE
Data updated: 2026-11-07T04:15:00.000Z