Doral Mayor reports economic decline following ICE raids

Immigration enforcement operations conducted by ICE and Border Patrol in Doral are causing significant economic disruption and widespread fear among residents, according to Mayor Christi Fraga. Local business owners report sharp declines in revenue; for instance, the owner of Pipo Burgers reported a 70% drop in sales, while a local food cart operator noted similar losses. A karate school has also seen enrollment decrease by approximately half.

The raids are impacting the local workforce, with some businesses reporting resignations from employees who fear apprehension despite having pending immigration processes or work permits. Beyond commerce, the operations have altered daily life for families, affecting school attendance and transportation routines as parents avoid driving due to fear of encounters with federal agents.

Mayor Fraga acknowledged the necessity of border security and the need to prevent exploitation of the asylum system, but expressed concern regarding the deportation of individuals fleeing violence in nations like Haiti. She noted that while some businesses remain busy, many others that are typically bustling are now visibly empty.