Hampton Roads Businesses Impacted by Fear of ICE Raids

Restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses report decline in customers and workers due to increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the region.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Some businesses in Hampton Roads, Virginia are reporting a drop in customers and workers due to fear of increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the area. Owners of restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses say their Latino customers and employees are staying home out of concern over potential ICE raids, negatively impacting their operations. The situation is expected to worsen as the tourism season approaches.

Why it matters

The fear of ICE raids is having a significant economic impact on businesses in Hampton Roads, particularly those that cater to the Latino community. This could hamper the region's economic growth and recovery, especially in key industries like hospitality and service. The situation also highlights the broader social and political tensions around immigration enforcement in the U.S.

The details

Businesses like restaurants, grocery stores, and hotels are reporting a decline in customers and workers as Latino residents avoid going out due to concerns over potential ICE activity in the area. Some business owners say they've seen a drop in regular customers, while others report cancellations of events and meetings. The impact is being felt across various industries, from food service to hospitality.

  • In late January, federal agents were reported to have picked up a few people within 5 minutes of the Los Cuates Taqueria restaurant in Virginia Beach.
  • On January 25, more than 60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies, including Target, Best Buy and UnitedHealth, signed a letter calling for de-escalation after two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minnesota amid a massive immigration enforcement operation.

The players

Nancy Sanchez

The owner of Los Cuates Taqueria in Virginia Beach, who says she prays for her customers, her business, and her country due to the fear of ICE activity.

Julian Baena

The vice president of the Hispanic Chamber of Coastal Virginia, who says Virginia businesses are reporting a decline in patrons as customers maintain a lower profile.

Patricia Bracknell

The founder and CEO of The Chamber for Hispanic Progress, who says the impact of ICE is being felt by Latino restaurants, grocery stores, and the hospitality and service industries as they experience a lack of manpower due to increased fear.

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What they’re saying

“It scares me. And it saddens me that it's hurting my Latino population that comes into Los Cuates.”

— Nancy Sanchez, Owner, Los Cuates Taqueria (pilotonline.com)

“Because it appears to be pretty much indiscriminate rounding up of folks within the Hispanic community.”

— Julian Baena, Vice President, Hispanic Chamber of Coastal Virginia (pilotonline.com)

“It's a pandemic. I don't think we've felt the worst of it yet.”

— Patricia Bracknell, Founder and CEO, The Chamber for Hispanic Progress (pilotonline.com)

What’s next

Businesses and community leaders in Hampton Roads are calling for de-escalation and a reduction in ICE activity in the region to help alleviate the economic and social impacts on the Latino community.

The takeaway

The fear of ICE raids is having a significant and widespread impact on businesses in Hampton Roads, particularly those that serve the Latino community. This situation highlights the broader tensions around immigration enforcement and the need for policies that balance public safety with the economic and social well-being of all residents.