Disruption and Resilience: The Impact of ICE Raids on Urban Restaurants
Location
FA-152
Start Date
1-5-2026 1:10 PM
Department
Sociology
Abstract
Recent increases in United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity have significantly impacted urban communities, particularly in the Chicagoland area during Operation Midway Blitz in September 2025 (Hawley 2026). Many communities, especially small, immigrant-owned businesses, have experienced economic and social disruptions, including declining customer activity, business closures, staff reductions, and ongoing fear that keeps residents at home (Savchenko 2025). Jane Jacobs’ (1961) “Eyes on the Street” concept suggests that neighborhoods remain safer when public spaces are active and regularly observed by residents, workers, and business owners. When restaurants and other small businesses close or reduce activity during periods of enforcement, informal social monitoring decreases, weakening community cohesion and perceived safety.
Guided by a social constructionist approach, this study uses semi-structured interviews to examine how increased Immigration Enforcement activities have affected restaurants and will explore the strategies restaurant owners employ to maintain their businesses and support employees. Interviews will take place in the Lawrence Avenue Corridor, a pseudonym used to protect the neighborhood’s identity. Using purposive and snowball sampling, restaurant owners are engaged to assess the impacts of workforce disruptions, reduced customer traffic, and heightened fear. Cultural information, such as food served and community practices, will be retained to highlight community vibrancy and explore patterns of racialized targeting. Any person names and any identifying information will not be included in the research, as pseudonyms will be used as a marker for such information. Recordings and notes will be securely stored and will only be accessed by the researcher. All data will be permanently deleted after the project is completed. The information collected will be used for class purposes, and research findings and general themes may be shared at the Northeastern Illinois University’s undergraduate symposium after receiving Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval in accordance with ethical guidelines; however, no identifying information will be included or disclosed.
Although data collection is ongoing, we expect findings to reveal operational adaptations, emotional and social impacts on workers and families, and variations in perceived safety and access to support within these communities.
Faculty Sponsor
Juan Martinez
Disruption and Resilience: The Impact of ICE Raids on Urban Restaurants
FA-152
Recent increases in United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity have significantly impacted urban communities, particularly in the Chicagoland area during Operation Midway Blitz in September 2025 (Hawley 2026). Many communities, especially small, immigrant-owned businesses, have experienced economic and social disruptions, including declining customer activity, business closures, staff reductions, and ongoing fear that keeps residents at home (Savchenko 2025). Jane Jacobs’ (1961) “Eyes on the Street” concept suggests that neighborhoods remain safer when public spaces are active and regularly observed by residents, workers, and business owners. When restaurants and other small businesses close or reduce activity during periods of enforcement, informal social monitoring decreases, weakening community cohesion and perceived safety.
Guided by a social constructionist approach, this study uses semi-structured interviews to examine how increased Immigration Enforcement activities have affected restaurants and will explore the strategies restaurant owners employ to maintain their businesses and support employees. Interviews will take place in the Lawrence Avenue Corridor, a pseudonym used to protect the neighborhood’s identity. Using purposive and snowball sampling, restaurant owners are engaged to assess the impacts of workforce disruptions, reduced customer traffic, and heightened fear. Cultural information, such as food served and community practices, will be retained to highlight community vibrancy and explore patterns of racialized targeting. Any person names and any identifying information will not be included in the research, as pseudonyms will be used as a marker for such information. Recordings and notes will be securely stored and will only be accessed by the researcher. All data will be permanently deleted after the project is completed. The information collected will be used for class purposes, and research findings and general themes may be shared at the Northeastern Illinois University’s undergraduate symposium after receiving Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval in accordance with ethical guidelines; however, no identifying information will be included or disclosed.
Although data collection is ongoing, we expect findings to reveal operational adaptations, emotional and social impacts on workers and families, and variations in perceived safety and access to support within these communities.