“We want to make sure they [residents] know their rights and that they feel safe,” Cantrell said.
NEW ORLEANS — Local officials are addressing safety concerns as federal immigration enforcement ramps up in the city, prompting some businesses to close and others to report widespread worker absences.
On a rainy Thursday morning, would-be customers lined up outside Tia Maria’s Kitchen, a popular Latin restaurant in Mid-City, only to learn it would remain closed until Saturday. A sign on the door read, “We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. Anyone wearing a face covering will not be allowed to enter.” Face coverings are commonly worn by Border Patrol agents.
“This is disappointing. I was hoping this wouldn’t be the case, especially after Taqueria Guerrero having to close temporarily,” one customer said.
During a mayor’s conference that morning, Mayor LaToya Cantrell addressed the recent enforcement actions for the first time. She expressed optimism and said the city remains committed to supporting all residents.
“The city of New Orleans stands in solidarity with every resident in our community,” Cantrell said. “We want to make sure they know their rights and that they feel safe.”
New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morrell pushed back on that assessment, saying many immigrant communities do not feel safe as Border Patrol operations expand.
“There are significant communities in this city -when it comes to the ICE interaction- that do not feel safe,” Morrell said. “We’ve already seen several restaurants and businesses closing down and encouraging their customers to stay indoors. The idea that all communities feel safe is completely detached from reality.”
Elsewhere in the city, the impact was also being felt at construction sites. A construction company owner, who asked not to be identified, said none of his workers reported to the job Thursday.
“Nobody showed up to work today. Surprise, surprise,” he said, adding that the enforcement operations are driving fear into the workforce. He warned the public should expect labor shortages and higher costs.
“Everybody that needs something done on their home is going to be in shock when they have to pay quadruple because there’s such a labor shortage,” he said. Despite the challenges, he said he looks forward to welcoming his workers back when they feel safe. “The Hispanic community has brought a great labor force willing to work.”