California street vendors fear ICE raids amid increased operations

Fear of immigration operations has resurfaced among street vendors in California, with merchants reporting that each day on the job now carries a greater risk due to the presence of federal agents. Recent incidents show that arrests not only affect those detained but also their families, colleagues, and small businesses.

One such incident occurred in Panorama City, where Salvadoran Mauricio Lozano, 34, known online as "La Colochona," was arrested. A video filmed by his friend and coworker, Jaime Barrera, captured the moment federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrived. Barrera recounted how agents suddenly appeared, shouting commands. Lozano was intercepted while in the back of his stall, leaving all his merchandise abandoned.

The impact of these detentions extends far beyond the individual arrested. Barrera explained that Lozano was the sole financial provider for his family, expressing deep concern over his absence. "The present father who provides everything for the family. And now how sad to know that he is not with them," Barrera stated.

This episode underscores the climate of anxiety among those who work on the streets. Many vendors feel that selling their goods means constantly exposing themselves to immigration operations that can change their lives in minutes. Barrera summarized this sentiment: "Dangerous, how everything is, being out on the street. One working and it happens."

Yaretzy Guerrero, present during Lozano's arrest, decided to become more involved in the family business to help workers without documentation avoid risks. "I am working to help the workers here who don't have papers, so they don't risk themselves either," she said.