CHICAGO (WGN) — Fear of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids has reportedly kept locals home, causing a devastating effect on restaurants and small businesses in the Little Village neighborhood.
Some eateries say they have seen revenue plunge by up to 70 percent, painting a bleak picture for many Chicago immigrants and area restaurant owners. “We have to find a way to survive,” said owner David Galecio, who added that he has seen a 60-to-70 percent drop in revenues at his Mexican restaurant, Atardecer Acapulqueño, in the 2900 block of W Cermak.
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Longtime customers told WGN-TV they were too afraid of ICE immigration arrests to spend time outside. So, restaurant owners are trying to lure their customers back.
“We try to make them feel safe and to make ourselves feel safe in our workplace,” Galecio said…