Shop local campaign boosts Brighton Park after immigration raids hurt local businesses

Fewer customers have been coming to D’Nuez Mexican Fusion in Brighton Park, since last year’s immigration raids in Chicago. But on Wednesday, a group of about 20 people had lunch at D’Nuez, 4125 S. Archer Ave., then visited nearby small businesses in the Southwest Side neighborhood.

They were part of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s first “shop local” event to promote Chicago area small businesses affected by the federal deportation campaign. This month, the chamber announced its Resilient Communities Initiative, which includes grants of $1,500 to $5,000 for small businesses, as well as campaigns to promote struggling neighborhoods and boost commerce. Anyone can donate to the grant fund.

In Illinois, the gross domestic product of Latinos normally exceeds $100 billion, according to the University of California Los Angeles Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture.

The chamber chose Brighton Park for its first shop local event because immigration raids had a major impact there. In October, U.S. Border Patrol agents in Brighton Park shot Marimar Martinez five times. She survived, but the shooting sparked a confrontation in the neighborhood between nearly 100 protesters and federal agents, some in an armed personnel carrier.

Last year, immigration agents often started their day in Brighton Park because there is a Home Depot nearby where laborers used to gather, said Hilda Alvarez, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s special projects manager. More than 78% of Brighton Park residents are Latino, according to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. Other communities hurt by immigration raids include Belmont Cragin, as well as Cicero, Berwyn and Elgin, Alvarez said.

In Brighton Park, foot traffic has slowed dramatically along Archer Avenue’s commercial corridor. “People don’t feel safe going out and shopping like they normally do,” Alvarez said. Businesses also have fewer resources because Brighton Park doesn’t have a chamber of commerce.

As sales have slumped, business owners have laid off employees or reduced work hours. “If things don’t get better, they might have to close soon,” Alvarez said. The chamber expects to organize more shop local events but hasn’t finalized locations or timing.

At Wednesday’s lunch, Jaime di Paulo, CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said the federal deportation campaign has affected the entire supply chain, including suppliers who are not Latino.

The chamber’s new initiative is “trying to help businesses stay afloat. They generate tax revenue and employment and unify the community,” di Paulo said. “We are trying to give back to our community.”

Attendees at Wednesday’s event included chamber members, partners and allies, who toured Brighton Park’s local businesses after lunch. They included Ald. Julia Ramirez (12th), who represents Brighton Park, where she was born and raised.

Fear of immigration agents “deeply affected the business corridor. People don’t feel safe going out to eat or going to school,” Ramirez said. “But being here gives confidence that we’re in this together. We have each other’s backs.”

‘The community doesn’t feel safe’

Baldemar Galindo opened Eventos Galindo Floral Design nine years ago. Aisles in his shop at 4207 S. Sacramento Ave. were packed with flower bouquets and stuffed animals with Valentine’s Day hearts.

Before immigration agents arrived last year, the store used to make $1,500 to $2,000 a day in sales. But now business has slowed and Galindo is only covering his bills. Last fall, there were “no people walking in. People were not buying,” he said.

He was forced to let go of two employees. Now, only Galindo and his wife work at the store full time. Coping with the impact of immigration raids is more challenging than navigating the COVID-19 pandemic when people still bought flowers. Galindo said promotions like the shop local event can help. “It shows people where we are.”

Down the street, Victor Vazquez, co-owner of Victor Mauricio Hair Salon, estimated he’s lost half of his business since last fall. “Raids were happening right here,” said Vazquez, who opened his salon 20 years ago. “People are scared. Even people who are documented canceled appointments.”

Even during the pandemic, people still came to his spacious salon at 4235 S. Archer Ave. for hair cuts. But after last year’s raids, customers haven’t returned. “The community doesn’t feel safe,” Vazquez said.

Raul Velazquez opened Nevería La Flor De Mayo 15 years ago. Sales at his ice cream parlor and eatery have dropped 40% since September, he said. Velazquez let go of one employee and reduced hours for his remaining five workers.

Although many immigration agents left Chicago, business hasn't improved at La Flor De Mayo, 4151 S. Archer Ave. “There’s still a lot of fear,” Velazquez said.

Jose Maya opened sports apparel store Deportes Maya, 4344 S. Archer Ave., more than 20 years ago. Sales have plummeted 70% since last August and haven't recovered at the shop filled with soccer jerseys. Construction along Archer Avenue has also dampened food traffic.

When asked what could help small business owners like him, Maya replied firmly: “If ICE leaves.”