Chicago restaurants hurting as patrons, workers stay home due to immigration enforcement fears

CHICAGO (WLS) — President Donald Trump’s immigration operation “Midway Blitz” has been underway for several weeks, and the hospitality industry, especially restaurants in Latino wards, are feeling the impact.

Gerardo Auza comes from a family of restaurant owners. The 42-year-old’s dream was to open his own business. It came true eight months ago, when Auza opened El Mexico De Chicago in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood. The Mexican immigrant says online reviews have been great, but none of it matters if no one shows up.

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“For over a month, it takes like 70% to 80%. The customers didn’t show up to come and take food out. You know, people scared right now,” Auza said.

And Auza says even if his restaurant were packed, there would not be enough workers to serve them.

“They just told me, ‘Hey, I’m scared. I don’t want to go to work because I’m scared… ICE take me.’ You know, it’s no words to say, because everybody’s scared,” Auza said.

The fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement has had a big impact on Chicago’s restaurant industry.

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“What I’m hearing from members is that they’re just taking reservations, because they don’t have enough waitresses and waiters and bus boys bartenders coming into work because of the fear,” said Illinois Restaurant Association President Sam Toia.

Toia says overall there has been a 20% decrease in the workforce due to the fear. He says downtown restaurants have not felt the impact as severe as neighborhood restaurants in Latino areas, like Belmont Cragin.

“This is having an impact on local businesses. That’s ultimately going to have an impact on our budget and ultimately have an impact on the federal government,” said 36th Ward Ald. Gilbert Villegas.

Villegas, who represents Belmont Cragin, says with the city already facing a big budget crisis, it doesn’t have the money to help struggling restaurant owners with grants. Villegas suggests the best way to help is for U.S citizens to continue patronizing restaurants in Latino wards.

While Chicago hotels set a record during the summer for filling rooms, the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association and the union representing hotel workers did not comment on Monday about the ICE impact on the hotel industry.