Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents once again conducted a surprise immigration enforcement operation in the heart of LA’s Downtown Fashion District, an area densely packed with Korean-owned businesses. They targeted workers and customers at nearby garment (jabba) companies.

Following a massive raid last June that even involved armored vehicles—which already caused severe labor shortages and a sharp drop in foot traffic—Korean business owners say they are now at their breaking point. With repeated raids creating an unrelenting climate of fear, many report they can no longer sustain operations.

According to multiple eyewitnesses, around 11 a.m. on the 15th, ICE agents and federal immigration enforcement teams parked vehicles along Maple Avenue and 11th Street in Downtown LA, then moved through stores and street vendors checking identification. The sudden appearance of heavily armed officers quickly turned the atmosphere tense and cold. Many store owners closed their doors early—even though regular business hours were far from over.

Kim, a Korean owner of a mid-sized clothing manufacturer in the Downtown garment market, said:
“Every time ICE shows up, a lot of businesses just shut down out of sheer anxiety. Regardless of immigration status, people get detained and sometimes released days or even months later. Everyone is on edge. We had no choice but to close too. ”This latest operation is part of a series of repeated surprise raids across LA that began after the Trump administration launched large-scale immigration enforcement in the Fashion District.

Witnesses reported no arrests during this particular sweep. However, Korean business owners unanimously say the real damage comes not from actual arrests but from the pervasive “atmosphere of fear” that paralyzes commerce. One owner explained:
“As soon as the agents start walking around, customers disappear for a long time. We already experienced a complete drop-off in foot traffic after last June’s raid. We’re terrified the same thing is going to happen again.

”Another owner added:
“There were no arrests today, but yesterday in Little Tokyo there were detentions. No one knows when the situation could escalate, so everyone is extremely tense.”The chilling effect on business is already visible. Anthony Rodriguez, CEO and president of the Los Angeles Fashion District Business Improvement District (BID), told the LA Times on the 17th:
“Visitor numbers dropped about 37% after last summer’s federal actions. Early in the year is already a slow season for retail, so continued enforcement at this time will only amplify the damage to the district.

”Korean business owners openly acknowledge the difficulty of completely eliminating undocumented workers from their operations. One owner said:
“People with legal status tend to avoid the heavy physical labor—packing boxes, shipping, etc. And since last year’s raid, the labor shortage has become so severe that even undocumented workers are hard to find. ”Reports indicate that many manufacturing businesses in industrial areas like Vernon and Huntington Park are now simply locking their doors during business hours out of fear of raids. Another Korean owner, Mr. S, shared a similar sentiment:

“I can’t just fire longtime employees who have worked hand-in-hand with me for years over immigration status overnight. I encourage them to at least get an ITIN and pay taxes to show compliance, but from a business owner’s perspective, there aren’t many options. ”For now, Korean business owners say they have no choice but to wait and see how the situation develops. One owner expressed concern:
“I’m worried that our already-shrinking Korean economy will face even greater pressure.”