On Thursday, Fruitvale was empty

Fruitvale, a neighborhood in Oakland with a high concentration of immigrants, has seen a drastic reduction in customer traffic amid fears of federal immigration enforcement. Vendors report declines in sales ranging from 50% to 70%, with many expressing concern over the potential impact of raids scheduled for Saturday. Karen, a pupusa vendor, described the atmosphere as "dead," contrasting it with the usual bustling market environment. Isabel Romero, who runs a churro stand, echoed similar worries, stating that the fear of immigration sweeps is keeping customers away. Businesses like Understory have taken measures to protect local vendors, offering them refuge if they feel unsafe.

Community signs such as “ICE out of Oakland” and “Filtra Cafe No Vidas” illustrate the local resistance to immigration enforcement. As a result of the heightened fear, many residents are choosing to remain indoors, exacerbating the downturn in business. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant communities in the area, highlighting the need for collective support and advocacy.