Cantu: ICE raids are hurting the local economy

SAN BENITO, TEXAS – When a restaurant or construction site gets raided by ICE, a few dozen families might be directly impacted. 

But the chilling effect is felt by thousands more, with workers staying home, not risking going to work for fear they, too, could be separated from their families and even deported.

This is the view of Elias Cantu, coordinator and communications director of the League of United Latin American Citizens chapter in San Benito. It is otherwise known as the Juan Rivera, Sr., and Veteran’s LULAC Council.

Cantu and his colleagues in LULAC San Benito held a protest against the immigration raids on Saturday, June 14. They carried signs hostile to President Trump and ICE, looking for support from passing motorists outside city hall. 

Members and supporters of the Juan Rivera, Sr., and Veteran’s LULAC Council are pictured outside San Benito City Hall. (Photo: RGG/Steve Taylor)

Cantu said LULAC works closely with San Benito Chamber of Commerce. He said he would like the Chamber to conduct a survey of its members to see how big an impact the ICE raids have had. He said he suspects the economy has taken a hit, with local businesses unable to find enough trained workers.

Here is a video recording of an interview the Rio Grande Guardian secured with Cantu during the protest:

Editor’s Note: Click here to watch a video recording show the signs LULAC members held aloft during their protest outside San Benito City Hall.

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