http://www.nebraska.tv/news/local/4931691.html Besides the story there is also a video to watch.
Rampant Fear Drives Business Down in Latino Community
Friday 12/15/06 5:50pm
Holiday profits aren't necessarily in the bag this year following a round-up of illegal meat-packing workers.

"They want to come and buy some stuff, but they're scared to come," Maria Garcia said of her customers.

The aisles at Azteca Market have been empty. Just a few years ago, her shop stayed open four hours late on Christmas Eve to satisfy all her customers, who shopped until 11 that night.

"It was fun but we were tired. Made money? Yes. Probably not so good this Christmas? I don't think so," she said.

The owner of a Mexican restaurant said the 261 illegals arrested at Swift won't affect business. Maria said unfounded rumors have done more damage.

Garcia said, "They call and tell me Immigration was here and took five people and saying the same thing at Sanchez."

Store owners say immigration agents have not been in their stores. They say legal residents worry they'll be stopped without their papers.

"A lot of people that help me -- they're afraid to come to work," Garcia said.

School attendance has rebounded following the raid. But some teachers say they're still fighting rumors of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents going in classrooms. Maria Garcia can relate, but tells customers her store, like a school, is safe.

" I just tell people not to worry so much," she said. "A lot of phone numbers they can call and find out what's going on because they need to go out -- not stay home."

If people leave town, or are deported, they could leave unpaid bills here. One woman whose boyfriend was arrested said she didn't know how she'd make the car payment.

Reporter's Notes by Steve White:
Latino business people said business will recover, but for now, it is suffering.

Few people were seen on 4th Street, the heart of Grand Island's Hispanic business district in the days following the raid.



Story Created: Dec 15, 2006 at 5:50 PM CST

Story Updated: Dec 15, 2006 at 9:55 PM CST