Valley business owner taking financial hit following ICE raids

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have spread fear among immigrants working in businesses such as restaurants and construction sites, thus impacting business.

La Fonda de Benny has been operating in Harlingen for nearly a decade. While the restaurant was not raided, it is in the neighborhood that was raided this week.

Benny Quezada, owner of La Fonda de Benny, says fear has led to a decline in business.

"Thank God we hadn't had any issues, but things have changed with everything going on. Customers who used to stop by all the time don't anymore," Quezada said.

Taking orders and fixing plates in a small kitchen is what Benny and her family know how to do best. For Quezada, these plates of food are what keep her business moving and growing.

Although she gets the occasional lunch hour rush, she says even during the COVID-19 pandemic, business was better.

For now, she's resorted to making staff changes.

"I had to cut staff because business is slow," she said. Quezada says the immigration raids have left a domino effect in the community.

"A lot of people are not working right now, because of raids, they don't want to risk it, so they don't go to work. Since they don't go to work, they don't stop by. It affects all of us at the same time," she said.

Benny says it hurts her to no longer see the familiar faces through the drive-thru.

"They are scared, they don't go out, it's a lot of customers that I have that no longer come," she continued.

Meanwhile, Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda says small businesses in the Valley aren't the only ones feeling the effects of the ICE raids. Sepulveda met with other leaders across the state to talk about the issue.

"It is incumbent upon us to continue to shop local, continue to show up and be supportive so that they continue to thrive and get passed this together," said the mayor.

The mayor adds that there is a chilling effect across Harlingen given the raids, and she is aware of it.

As for Quezada, she says she will continue to serve.