Businesses take action to shield workers and customers during immigration crackdowns

As immigration raids continue across Los Angeles County, many community members fear being swept up in the enforcement efforts. In response, Latino-owned businesses are taking action by implementing protective measures for their employees and customers, while also finding meaningful ways to support those most affected.

TortaMóvil, a small Latino-owned business based in South Central Los Angeles, which is known for its classic Mexico City-style tortas, is stepping up to the challenge of safeguarding their employees. Luis Moran, along with his father Alfredo Moran, are creating a safe and welcoming space at their seven-by-10-foot stand by actively listening to their employees' concerns and suggestions, while also receiving feedback as they were creating a plan.“The workers are aware that in case an ICE agent were to come, they know where to go,” Luis Moran said.

At their stand you can find “Know your Rights” posters and even the iconic red cards to go. Since the immigration operations have started in L.A., Luis’s goal has been to educate their clients and employees. They have also been strategizing ways of putting specific signs in front of their business truck to indicate to agents that it’s a private area.

Additionally, TortaMóvil acknowledges the financial burden that many community members and families have been going through and created a food drive at their local stand where people can come by to drop off donations for those in need. They successfully gathered and distributed at least 25 bags of fresh food to the South Central L.A. community.

Taco Shore from Long Beach, which is known for its classic Mexican food and beach-themed restaurant, is also committed to creating a safe, respectful and welcoming space for everyone who walks through the door at their business.

“I believe in hard work, dignity and the value of the person, but we have taken some steps to get everyone on the same page and feel safe. We have communicated to all the staff that ICE cannot enter public areas,” said Jenny Cuevas, owner of Taco Shore.

She also added that they have also taken the time to train their employees on the information that they are allowed to share with immigration officials. “I'm not required to share any information unless it's a warrant signed by a judge, not just an ICE administrative warrant, It has to be a judge,” said Cuevas. She also shared that they have implemented "employees only”  signs as part of the restaurant's workplace protocol. Cuevas told CALÓ News if immigration officials were to walk through her restaurant she would be the person designated to hold all the interactions with the authorities.

Cuevas shared that she's supporting the community in every way and she feels what everyone in the community is going through. “I'm a Latina, I'm an immigrant, I've been in their shoes, so I know exactly the fear. I know the feeling. I know what we're going through, and as a community, we need to stick together, help each other, and then we're gonna make it because we definitely are a very strong community,” she said.

Taco Shore was recently recognized as an award-winning restaurant for serving the best tacos in Long Beach. The journey of its owner, Cuevas, has been anything but easy as she was once undocumented immigrant herself back in 1999 when she began working as a hostess and server. Through years of hard work and saving, she eventually achieved her dream of purchasing the business and making it her own.

“I’ve worked really hard to build my business, always making sure that what we serve is something I would proudly offer in my own home,” Cuevas said. “I would never serve anything I don’t personally enjoy, and I think that reflects the pride I have in this place. I’ve been doing my best for 25 years, and it’s incredible to see people finally recognizing that.”

Helping Hands Coffee, a local business in the city of Lynwood, originally began as a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting community members across Southeast L.A. From the start, they worked in collaboration with other local organizations to uplift and serve those in need. 

Today, Helping Hands Coffee continues to honor its original mission by supporting the Latino community during these challenging times. Recently, they partnered with La Raza Radio 97.9 to organize volunteer efforts and distribute donations to 300 households in need. 

Nestor Enciso the owner of the organization is also putting together an event where immigration lawyers, alongside other organizations, will educate and provide the community with the resources that they need. The event will also feature music at the end to end the gathering on a positive note. The event will take place on Sunday, July 27.

“We’re always trying to figure out how we can give back, especially during times like these,” said Enciso. “Living in Lynwood, where about 95% of the community is Latino, these challenges have really taken a toll on local businesses. But if you’re in a position where you can feed yourself, if you have the time and even a small source of income, this is the moment to step up and contribute however you can.”

 Confidential Coffee located in Long Beach has been actively involved since the raids started. Denise Maldonado, owner of the business, said she’s been finding ways to support the community, whether it’s through her coffee shop or by showing up at protests.

“I come from a family of immigrants, like many of us do. I know what it’s like, I’m honestly terrified,” Maldonado said. “Every day, I make sure my family is okay, I make sure my workers are okay. That’s why I’m out here being a voice for those who can’t speak up for themselves.”

In order to make sure that her clients feel safe and informed, she has printed several “Know Your Rights” cards that  can be found literally anywhere at the coffee shop. Maldonado is also allowing immigration lawyers to stop by and drop off their business cards for those who might need those resources.

At the front door of Confidential Coffee you can find signs that say “Everyone is Welcome Except ICE” because she specifically doesn't want immigration officers coming into her shop and arresting anyone. Another way that she's protecting her employees is by also providing signs around her coffee shop that say “Only Authorized Employees Allowed.”

Maldonado acknowledges that social media has played a significant role in keeping the community informed. Through her accounts, she consistently shares information and resources that may benefit residents in Long Beach. “We try to stay connected to the community and help each other out however we can,” Maldonado said. “I feel like we’ve been doing our best to stay on top of things.”

As many businesses implement protocols to protect their employees and operations, the United Farm Workers organization has also taken action by posting placards at all of their office locations. These signs clearly state that immigration officers do not have access to their premises, reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding the rights and safety of their community.