Hispanic-owned businesses in Kansas City impacted by fear of deportation
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - With the threat of mass deportations across the country, local Hispanic-owned businesses say the fear has driven some customers away.
The fear of detainment while ing Hispanic-owned businesses is a growing concern, especially for customers at Los Comales de Rebeca, a local Mexican restaurant. Management says they’ve received calls and texts from patrons asking if it’s even safe to come in for a meal.
“They’ll text me and be like, ‘Hey, can I make an order?’” said Eli Martinez, manager at Los Comales de Rebecca. “‘Cause we’re scared.’ No, I understand.”
The uncertainty surrounding recent immigration enforcement actions is taking a toll both emotionally and economically. Martinez said the restaurant has seen a drop in foot traffic during the week, and concerns about immigration status led to some difficult decisions about staffing.
“There used to be someone who used to work here. We had to let her go, just for safety,” Martinez said.
Despite the challenges, the staff is committed to staying open and pushing forward.
“We’ve got to keep working. We need the money. It’s not going to stop us,” Martinez said. “People are not coming in, making us lose our jobs.”
Just across the state line, a small grocery store in Kansas City, Kansas, is also feeling the pressure. El Nopal offers services such as money orders to help Spanish-speaking customers send to families in Latin America.
The owner says it has become more than just a place to shop, but a community resource.
“The community that I help is being affected,” said the store’s owner, who asked to remain anonymous. “Going through fear is not something everyone wants to go through every day of their life.”
He said that recently, more people have been calling the store to ask whether it’s safe to come by, or if there have been any sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers nearby.
“People a lot of times call to ask if there’s anything we’ve heard—or if there’s possibly someone outside,” he said. “Just the fear.”
Ownership at the restaurant has roots in Mexico and family in Los Angeles, where ICE raids and protests are currently happening. They told KCTV5 their own family is afraid to go outside for fear of detainment.
Business owners say they are staying hopeful, even as the future remains uncertain.
“I hope they can be outside again, like a normal life like before,” Martinez said, referring to his family in Los Angeles.
For now, it’s business as usual, even though things have slowed down.
“Lately, it’s been lonely at the restaurant,” Martinez said. “Fridays and Saturdays, it’s always full for us. But it’s been a little lonely these days ever since what’s happening right now.”
Still, businesses like Los Comales and El Nopal say they plan to keep their doors open and keep serving their communities.
Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.
