LA Neighborhoods Vulnerable to Immigration Enforcement

Report identifies areas with high shares of foreign-born, renter, and Spanish-speaking residents.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A new report from Los Angeles County has identified certain neighborhoods that are more vulnerable to immigration enforcement operations, including Panorama City, Mission Hills, North Hills, Bell, Pico Rivera, Southeast LA, and downtown LA. These areas typically have higher populations of foreign-born residents, renters, and Spanish-speakers, putting local businesses at risk as customers become afraid to leave their homes.

Why it matters

As immigration enforcement continues in LA County, which has over 3.5 million immigrants, certain neighborhoods are bearing the brunt of the impact on local businesses and communities. Understanding which areas are most vulnerable can help policymakers provide targeted support and resources.

The details

The report found that the ZIP code 91402, covering Panorama City, Mission Hills and North Hills, is the most impacted area. Other vulnerable neighborhoods include the cities of Bell, Pico Rivera, Southeast Los Angeles, and downtown Los Angeles. These communities have higher shares of foreign-born residents, renters, and Spanish-speaking households. The increased enforcement activity has led to a reduction in foot traffic and struggling local businesses, like Flowers and Perfumes in Panorama City.

  • The report was released on February 11, 2026.
  • Widespread immigration enforcement operations in LA County began in June 2025.

The players

Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity

The county agency that released the immigration enforcement vulnerability index report.

Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation

The organization that collaborated with the county on the report's recommendations.

Carmen Salazar

The owner of Flowers and Perfumes in Panorama City, whose business is struggling due to decreased foot traffic from immigration enforcement.

Dora Cazares

A local shopper who is afraid to leave home but sometimes has no choice due to work.

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What they’re saying

“Customers are afraid, and that's why they don't want to come. (For) Valentine's Day, we don't have no orders after this event. I don't know when the next because we're not making money.”

— Carmen Salazar, Business owner

“I'm scared, but I have to go. I have to work.”

— Dora Cazares

What’s next

The report recommends that LA policymakers expand emergency business grants and financing programs, provide support to address workforce shortages, and improve communication between agencies and business communities about enforcement impacts and available resources.

The takeaway

This report highlights how certain LA neighborhoods with high immigrant populations are disproportionately impacted by immigration enforcement, putting local businesses and community members at risk. Targeted support and resources will be crucial to helping these vulnerable areas weather the effects of ongoing operations.