Immigration Policies Impact Santa Barbara Businesses: Owners Speak Out on ICE Concerns

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Business owners in Santa Barbara are feeling the effects of immigration policies and increased enforcement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

For Alex Lazaro, opening Café La Fonda in Santa Barbara was a dream come true.

“I’m grateful … I learned a lot of skills here—painting, cleaning, how to be a chef, how to run a restaurant,” Lazaro said.

Lazaro immigrated to the United States with his family from Mexico when he was 4 years old.

“It means a lot. I give thanks to God because I go to church every Tuesday, and I tell the Lord, ‘Thank you for having me here,’” he said.

However, following recent immigration-related executive orders, the atmosphere inside his family-friendly café has changed.

When customers walk in, they often find an empty dining area.

“Maybe one customer. Maybe two during lunch hour,” Lazaro said.

Fear Keeps Customers and Workers Away

“It’s been so-so … customers are afraid to come and eat,” Lazaro said.

The café is also facing staffing shortages. Many employees are hesitant to come to work.

“They all have personal reasons why they won’t show up … but they’re scared, you know?” Lazaro said.

That fear has left Lazaro running the business alone.

“As you can see, it’s just me—doing all the cooking, running food, bussing tables, washing dishes … everything,” he said.

The concerns extend beyond Café La Fonda. Employees at Ablitt's Fine Cleaners & Launderers in Santa Barbara also feel uneasy.

“They are terrified. Even legal people … some don’t understand that even if you’re here legally, they’re still scared because of the color of their skin,” said Sasha Ablitt, owner of Ablitt’s Fine Cleaners & Launderers. “There may not be bad intentions behind these laws, but people are enforcing them.”

Ablitt has found herself providing reassurance to employees.

“We’ve had to have a lot of meetings to explain why I believe they are safe … but in the end, it’s up to them to decide,” she said.

Santa Barbara Mayor Calls for Clarity

Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse expressed concerns over the enforcement tactics.

“The biggest concern is that the method seems to be fear and intimidation, which is completely unfair. Legally, ICE needs warrants to enter a business, demand identification, or conduct certain actions … but it’s scary,” Rowse said. “Neither party can claim the high ground on immigration policy. They’ve tossed it around for years.”

Nonprofit Steps In to Offer Support

As fear spreads among some local businesses, the nonprofit Casa de la Raza is stepping in to offer support.

“Unfortunately, Café La Fonda’s owners have had to file police reports and even close at night because employees are worried about their safety going home,” said Casa de la Raza Director Jacqueline Inda.

Rowse encourages business owners to seek legal assistance.

“They should reach out to legal aid or the district attorney’s office to understand the risks so they can talk to their employees and say, ‘Here’s how this works,’” Rowse said.

Divided Perspectives on Immigration Policy

Both Republican and Democratic representatives were contacted for their perspectives on the president's new immigration policies and the impact on local businesses facing employee absences.

Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Calif., who represents the 26th District, provided a statement.

“These actions ... will devastate the lives of many families in our community. The lack of information and oversight leaves us without an understanding of the full scope of the enforcement actions, and it is deeply concerning to see how they continue to unfold without the necessary checks and balances,” Brownley said.

Christy Lozano, second executive chair for the Republican Central Committee, said more discussions could help employees afraid to show up for work.

“Fear comes from the unknown,” Lozano said. “If we can have conversations to develop solutions and strategize the best plan for Santa Barbara, it will help ease that fear. People will feel cared for and supported, and we will do our best to keep them here.”

ICE officers have been seen in several areas along the Central and South coasts in recent weeks.

Your NewsChannel has repeatedly contacted ICE for official statistics on arrests and detentions.

On Thursday, a spokesman said ICE has significantly increased its enforcement activities since Jan. 20. The agency is working to publish regional statistics monthly.

Despite the challenges, Lazaro remains hopeful that his employees will return.

“I’m 50-50 on it,” he said. “If ICE is doing their job and getting criminals, then yeah …”

Bobbi McGinnis, chair of the Santa Barbara County Republican Party, supports the administration’s immigration policies.

“My message to honest, hardworking people is this: I believe the Trump administration will find a way for them to be here legally so they won’t have to worry about being picked up by ICE,” McGinnis said. “But ICE’s job is simple—to bring public safety back to our cities, and our crime rates have been off the charts.”

For now, Lazaro continues running his café alone, holding onto hope that business will return to what it once was.

“As humans, we should do things for a good cause, not a negative one … you know what I mean? Not scaring people or stealing jobs. We should all get along and find a way to work together,” he said.