Huntington Park, California, a working-class city of more than 50,000 people, has grown unusually quiet due to increased immigration enforcement. With nearly 96% of residents being Latino and almost half undocumented, fear has spread quickly. Local leaders say many believe racial profiling plays a role in these raids, especially against those sharing the community’s heritage.
Pacific Boulevard, once a bustling commercial hub, now feels deserted. Residents recall when the sidewalks overflowed with shoppers, but the crowd is gone. Many businesses now keep their doors locked, letting in customers only after they knock. Shop owners say this helps protect staff and visitors. Officers still need a warrant to enter.
Business owners report sharp drops in sales as customers avoid the area. While locked doors make some feel safer, they have not stopped economic losses. Lower sales tax revenue will reduce funding for public services, raising concerns over the city’s stability.
Surveys show declining national approval for the deportation program compared to earlier in the year, though support stays strong among those favoring stricter immigration control. Critics argue undocumented workers keep prices affordable in several industries. Community leaders believe standing by residents can restore safety and revive the city’s once-vibrant atmosphere.
