A Las Vegas department store has stepped up to help Latino families who are too frightened to venture out for basic necessities amid heightened immigration enforcement. Curacao, the retail chain known for serving Hispanic communities, launched what it calls an “Essential Assistance Program” providing free household items and groceries directly to customers’ doorsteps, according to Las Vegas Sun.
The program comes as Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that local Latino businesses have seen sales drop by roughly 80% since increased ICE activity began earlier this year. Around 40 Las Vegas households have already used the confidential service, according to 8 News Now, with hundreds more participating nationwide.
Meadows Mall Location Becomes Lifeline
Located at Meadows Mall, the Curacao store at 4200 Meadows Lane has transformed into an unexpected community resource. “We have a lot of customers that … feel unsafe to go out. They’re missing work hours. Some, they’ve stopped working,” Sabina Aviles, assistant store manager, told Las Vegas Sun. The program provides free microwaves, compact refrigerators, TVs, small appliances, and limited grocery assistance.
Store manager Gerber Barrera explained that “a lot of people are feeling a little bit scared right now because of the current situation going on,” referencing the increased immigration enforcement. As a precaution, 8 News Now notes the store now displays signage clarifying it’s private property accessible only to cardholders, since ICE agents can legally enter public commercial spaces without warning.
Economic Ripple Effects Across Las Vegas
The fear has created devastating economic consequences throughout the valley’s Latino business corridor. At Tutis Party Supply store, where owner Edith Arteaga crafts handmade piñatas and sells Mexican candy, business was thriving through the pandemic but has now plummeted, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Similarly, Tarasco Flor De Michoacan, a family-owned restaurant serving Latino clientele for 15 years, has watched sales steadily decline since March…