Stress, anxiety, and fear were the emotions of entrepreneur José Rodríguez, while he stayed home because he was uncertain about what could happen to him, his friends, and family who couldn't go out to work because of the raids.

“The color of our skin is already the passport so they can arrest you and take you away without asking you if you have papers or not,” said Rodríguez about the situation in Southern California with immigration agencies.

Luckily, a local business called “Alta Baja Market” supported Rodríguez, who stayed home from work for a week. The business staff offered and sold Rodríguez's fruit products to support him.

However, due to the street vendor's need for money, he had to go out again, this time with his wife Socorro Rivas. Normally the couple works separately, but due to the lack of customers in the area they are working together, but with only one cart.

Several entrepreneurs in downtown Santa Ana have noticed a decrease in pedestrians and sales since the immigration raids began in the Los Angeles area.

Alejandra Vargas, co-owner of Vibes Boutique, saw videos of federal agents in the fashion district in downtown Los Angeles a few weeks ago, and it is precisely the place where she stocks up for her business.

“It made me feel very heartbroken because these are people who help us and tell us their stories...” said the Mexican entrepreneur.

Vargas added that since the beginning of the construction of the new streetcar and the pandemic in Santa Ana, business has suffered, but now with the raids the situation has worsened than ever as pedestrian traffic has decreased by 80%.

Due to the situation, Vargas has considered breaking her lease. He added that unfortunately other locations in downtown Santa Ana have either left or put their businesses up for sale.

“We’re paying a very high price for rent and it’s great because of the community we’ve built, the people who come and the things we can do, but at the end of the day, If we don’t eat, we won’t be able to give anything to anyone.”

The entrepreneur said she has been donating a percentage of her sales to support the migrant community that cannot go out to work during this time.

Outside Vargas’s business, Natalie Castaneda and Tanya Narvaez sat at a table selling candy, some donated by Vargas.

“It affects you when you see the videos of street vendors going out and putting themselves at risk, exposing themselves knowing that immigration could literally be right around the corner and they’re still trying to make ends meet,” Castaneda said.

“I’ve seen some videos, unfortunately, of some street vendors who were pushed aside and their carts were left behind. That touched my heart.”

After seeing so many people in Los Angeles and San Diego raising funds, Castañeda decided to do the same and on Wednesday created a GoFundMe campaign to support vendors in Orange County.

To date, she has received more than 30 donations, which bought a flower vendor half of their merchandise ($250) so she could go home early.

“I don’t know if other people feel the same, but there’s always something we can do, even if it’s just sharing the GoFundMe links on social media, that’s already a help because you never know who else can afford to donate,” said the young Latina.

Street vendor Rodríguez shared that sales have dropped 70% during this time and sometimes receives donations even though he prefers to work.

“It’s hard for me to accept donations because work comes first,” said Rodríguez. “In these times, many people need help, not just anything else.” I.”

Santa Ana City Councilmember Johnathan Ryan Hernandez shared that he will present a proposal to the council next month to help the migrant community.

“I want to collaborate with the city manager’s office and my colleagues through a transparent process where we can publicly put together a policy that provides mutual aid to pay for rent, utilities, and gas with the grants we have…” said the councilmember, who has historically supported the migrant community.

Hernandez stated that the city of Santa Ana is witnessing injustice and state violence up close, and emphasizes that the community must recognize their rights.

“They are day laborers, gardeners, car washers, supermarket workers, bus passengers, children, mothers, and people from the neighborhood who are harmless and exemplary members of the community,” explained the councilmember, about the people who have been affected by the presence of ICE. “Many of these people have been here for 25 years working in these car washes,They own homes and work in the city. But now they are treated as if they are not from this community.”

Where to Call

Council Member Hernandez emphasized that every person in the community has the right to record both local police and federal agents.

He also explained that members of the public can call (714) 881-1558, the Orange County Rapid Response Network, in the event they see a person detained by federal agents.