As rumors of federal immigration enforcement actions spread through the community, the bustling commercial district of Sunset Park in Brooklyn, often frequented by the local Chinese population, is facing serious challenges to its survival. With increasing fear among residents towards the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the once lively business streets are now nearly deserted, forcing many small business owners to resort to layoffs, dipping into savings, and even facing the possibility of shutting down.
According to Gothamist media, the scene at a meat market on Fifth Avenue in Sunset Park, which has been in operation for over a decade, no longer sees the bustling crowds of customers it once did. Employees noted that although business had already declined during the pandemic, the past year saw the most drastic drop, with sales in 2025 plummeting by 30% compared to 2024, leading the owner to reluctantly lay off two staff members.
A nearby electronic repair shop is also grappling with similar challenges. The shop owner revealed that their daily revenue last year could stay within the range of $1500 to $1700, but now they only bring in about four to five hundred dollars a day. To cover the rent, the owner even had to dip into personal savings and let go of the shop’s only employee. Rumors of ICE presence circulating among the shop’s Latinx clientele have directly contributed to the dwindling foot traffic.
Some restaurants are also experiencing a decline in business. Managers stated that besides the fear of immigration enforcement, tariff policies and inflation have exacerbated their operations. For instance, the price of a box of tomatoes has surged from $28 to $80. With a sharp decrease in customers, excessive amounts of unsold salads and soups are being discarded at the end of each day. Currently, the restaurants can only manage to sustain basic survival.
A recent survey by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce confirmed the hardships faced by these individual businesses. In Sunset Park, nearly 80% of surveyed businesses reported that they have been affected by immigration enforcement, ranking the highest among the six major communities in Brooklyn.
Similar trends are observed in Jackson Heights and Corona in the Queens borough as well. A survey by the Queens Economic Development Corporation revealed that 80% of merchants reported declines in sales and foot traffic. Approximately 40% of business owners described the impact as a “significant decrease in production”. 22% mentioned that employees have been absent or shown extreme fear due to concerns about ICE enforcement.