Businesses in Baltimore's Highlandtown Cite ICE Enforcement for Decline in Customers, Workers

Owners report fewer customers and growing uncertainty among immigrant employees amid increased federal immigration crackdown.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:44am

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Business owners in Baltimore's Highlandtown neighborhood say they are beginning to feel the economic effects of increased federal immigration enforcement, with some reporting fewer customers and growing uncertainty among their immigrant workers. Several businesses have already closed, and owners fear more may follow if conditions do not stabilize.

Why it matters

Highlandtown is known for its diverse immigrant population, and businesses in the area rely heavily on immigrant workers and customers. The decline in foot traffic and worker participation could have significant economic consequences for the neighborhood and the broader Baltimore community.

The details

At Castillo and Villegas Boutique on Eastern Avenue, the salon that Katherine Castillo's mother owns, the slowdown has become more noticeable in recent weeks. 'We used to have three or four people here ready to cut hair, do nails, massages,' Castillo said. 'Now, we have enough that one or two people can maybe get a couple cuts a day, but even then, sometimes, our own employees are wary about coming out when they see a suspicious truck outside.' Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman noted that immigrants make up roughly 21% of Maryland's workforce, many of whom work in essential sectors like healthcare and education.

  • In recent weeks, business owners in Highlandtown have reported a decline in customers and worker participation.
  • On Thursday afternoon, several chairs sat empty at Castillo and Villegas Boutique, which was once a bustling hub of activity.

The players

Katherine Castillo

An employee at the salon owned by her mother in Highlandtown.

Brooke Lierman

The Maryland Comptroller, who addressed the impact of immigration enforcement during a press briefing with state lawmakers.

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What they’re saying

“We used to have three or four people here ready to cut hair, do nails, massages. Now, we have enough that one or two people can maybe get a couple cuts a day, but even then, sometimes, our own employees are wary about coming out when they see a suspicious truck outside.”

— Katherine Castillo, Employee at Castillo and Villegas Boutique

“Our strength as a state depends on the full participation of our workforce. Supporting that participation and supporting our small businesses cannot just be a community priority. It has to be a core economic and fiscal priority for the state.”

— Brooke Lierman, Maryland Comptroller

What’s next

Business owners in Highlandtown hope that conditions will stabilize before more establishments are forced to shut their doors due to the decline in customers and worker participation.

The takeaway

The economic impact of increased federal immigration enforcement on small businesses in diverse neighborhoods like Highlandtown highlights the importance of supporting immigrant workers and customers as a core economic priority for the state. The decline in foot traffic and worker participation could have significant consequences for the local community.