The Los Angeles Tenants Union (LATU) is urging city officials to implement a rent moratorium as intensified immigration enforcement operations, particularly by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), disrupt local businesses and create widespread fear. Immigrants, fearing arrest, are avoiding work, leaving many businesses struggling and unable to meet rent payments by July 1.
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LATU’s Call for Action
During a recent press conference, Los Angeles Tenants Union (LATU) representatives voiced concerns about the impact of ICE enforcement on both workers and employers in the region. They emphasized that the fear of deportation has forced many employees, particularly immigrants, to stay home, leaving businesses facing severe financial losses.
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Immigrant Workers Affected
According to a LATU representative who identified herself as undocumented, many tenants will struggle to pay rent in the upcoming month. “This militarization of our community has closed down businesses, taken away street vendors, separated families, and then people cannot pay their rent. They have barely the minimum to survive,” she said.
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Fears Over Economic Impact
The LATU argues that the ongoing operations are crippling local businesses and causing widespread economic fallout. Many self-employed immigrants have opted to stay home to avoid encountering federal agents, resulting in substantial losses for the community. Business owners in highly trafficked areas like the Fashion District and Little Tokyo are reporting declines in business, with some seeing as little as 20 percent of their usual income.
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Trump Administration’s Defense
President Trump has defended the immigration crackdown, accusing cities led by Democrats of using undocumented immigrants to manipulate elections, expand the welfare state, and undermine job opportunities for U.S. citizens. These claims have not been substantiated with evidence. Trump voiced these opinions on Truth Social, continuing his stance that unauthorized immigration is a significant issue.
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L.A. County’s Response
In response to the situation, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors recently approved an emergency motion to analyze the economic consequences of the ongoing enforcement operations. The study will examine the financial impact on local industries, workforce losses, and the potential harm caused by property damage and curfews.
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Economic Strain on Local Businesses
Business owners have shared their frustration, noting a drastic reduction in revenue. One community member, identifying as a concerned local, expressed, “Our businesses are struggling. Entrepreneurship is at a standstill.” The fear stemming from the enforcement actions is seen as having a significant impact on the broader economy, with local businesses unable to thrive.
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Rent Strike and Moratorium
The LATU is calling for a citywide rent strike and a day of action on July 1. The union encourages renters to participate in the strike to pressure city officials into enforcing a rent moratorium in response to the financial strain caused by the immigration enforcement actions.
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