The aroma of sizzling spices and warm tortillas, once a vibrant staple of Texas’s culinary landscape, is increasingly being overshadowed by a pervasive sense of fear. Recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and intensified immigration enforcement policies across the Lone Star State are creating a chilling effect on Latino-owned restaurants, leading to plummeting sales, dwindling staff, and a growing uncertainty that threatens to empty tables and impact the state’s broader economy.
A Climate of Fear Descends on Texas Eateries
Oscar Garcia Santaella, owner of Los Primos, a popular Mexican restaurant in Houston, is experiencing this reality firsthand. His sales have dropped by a staggering 40% as customers, primarily from Latino communities, become hesitant to leave their homes, fearing they might encounter immigration agents. This fear isn’t limited to patrons; staff members are also increasingly wary of coming to work. Santaella recounts an incident where an employee, whose cousin was arrested during a raid at a nearby apartment complex, could not report for her shift. “People were afraid to go out,” Santaella stated, describing the direct impact of these operations on his business. His situation is not isolated; similar sentiments are echoed by owners like Saul Aguero of Fogonero, a Venezuelan restaurant in Pflugerville, who notes a drastic drop in morning clients, from 40-50 to a mere 10, due to community fears of detention and family separation.
Recent immigration enforcement actions, including raids on residential areas and workplaces, have instilled a widespread anxiety that permeates communities. Even businesses not directly targeted by raids are feeling the fallout, as a general climate of apprehension discourages people from public outings, impacting foot traffic and consumer spending across various sectors.
Economic Repercussions: Empty Tables and Dwindling Applications
The tremors from these enforcement actions are being felt acutely by the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA). In the second quarter of 2025, a significant 23% of its members reported losing employees, while 21% saw a decrease in job applications. Furthermore, 16% of restaurateurs noted a decline in customers. These figures paint a stark picture of an industry struggling with a dual crisis: a shrinking labor pool and a reduction in customer base, particularly within the Latino communities that form a significant part of the demographic for many of these establishments.
Kelsey Streufert of the Texas Restaurant Association highlights the broader implications, stating that “immigrants that have work authorization or even, in some instances, citizens are afraid to go to work or be part of our economy”. This fear, coupled with direct enforcement actions, leads to labor shortages that ripple through the entire food supply chain. The industry is already grappling with rising food and labor costs, and these immigration-related challenges exacerbate the economic pressure on businesses.
The Integral Role of Immigrant Labor in Texas
Latino and immigrant workers are not just a part of the Texas workforce; they are foundational to its economic vitality. Immigrants constitute a substantial portion of the state’s labor force, making up nearly a quarter of all workers, a figure that has nearly doubled over the past three decades. The restaurant and food service industry, in particular, relies heavily on this demographic, with immigrants comprising almost a quarter of its workforce.
Beyond their labor, immigrants are significant economic contributors. Studies indicate that undocumented Texans alone paid approximately $4.9 billion in state and local taxes in 2022, primarily through sales and property taxes. Nationally, undocumented workers contributed an estimated $97 billion in taxes in 2022. This suggests that while enforcement is a priority, the economic contributions of these individuals are substantial and often overlooked.
Industry’s Plea for Policy Change Amidst Uncertainty
In response to the escalating crisis, the Texas Restaurant Association has been vocal in urging federal action. They are calling on Congress and the White House to grant work permits to long-term, tax-paying immigrant workers, emphasizing their critical role in the hospitality sector and the broader economy. The association has expressed frustration with the uncertainty surrounding immigration policies, noting the conflicting messages about workplace raids. Emily Knight, CEO of the TRA, has underscored that “immigrants are a critical component in the industry” and are viewed as integral team members, not just a source of labor.
The industry advocates for policies that balance enforcement with the economic realities faced by businesses that depend on immigrant labor. They highlight that current immigration crackdowns are not only creating labor shortages but also discouraging customers, leading to potential business closures across the state.
A Critical Juncture for Texas’s Food Scene
The current immigration enforcement trends in Texas present a critical juncture for its vibrant Latino restaurant scene and its overall economy. The fear generated by ICE raids and aggressive policies is silencing the bustling kitchens and emptying the welcoming tables that define this sector. While the government aims to enforce immigration laws, the collateral damage to businesses and communities, which rely heavily on immigrant labor and patronage, is undeniable. As the Texas Restaurant Association continues to advocate for pragmatic solutions, the focus remains on how to support these vital businesses and their workforce, ensuring that the rich flavors of Texas’s food culture do not fade into silence.
