13-05-2025
‘It's a purge': Reactions to Nashville's ICE operations, impact on local businesses
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The recent ICE operations across Nashville have left an impact on local businesses.
Business owners are sharing that staff are not showing up for their shifts, and there were rumors of operations happening this past weekend along Broadway. Those reports have not been verified, but the concerns among the local Hispanic community are very real.
'The whole conversation out there was it's Hispanics who are undocumented. So it is uncomfortable to even go to a grocery store, and people kind of look at you,' said Yuri Cunza, President of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
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In just over a week, more than 500 traffic stops were conducted in Nashville alone, resulting in over 100 immigrant-related arrests.
One of the arrestees was wanted for a killing in El Salvador, according to the THP, but News 2 has not been able to confirm that because ICE has not identified the people they took.
'There's no rhyme or reason to it, it's just grabbing people to get rid of them,' said Gina, an ER nurse whose husband is a Mexican immigrant. 'Nobody wants to leave home, nobody can work. Our income got cut in half. It's scary, it's wrong, it's a purge.'
Nashville city officials have expressed surprise with last week's ICE operations. It's no different for Nashville's Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
'At this point, any small business is concerned,' said Cunza. 'Hispanics are being chased around town, captured like they are being hunted down. And they are being labeled as people that you don't want in the community. But many are part of the workforce.'
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Cunza said there are over 2,000 Hispanic-owned businesses within Nashville. His advice to them, and the 400-plus who are chamber members: always have identification, follow the laws, and be prepared for anything.
'The plans and programs announced by the White House will take place regardless of what we do. But, at least with the least amount of casualties,' Cunza expressed. 'Be informed. Make sure you know an attorney that deals with immigration.'
Meanwhile, Gina, who preferred not to use her last name, said her husband is in the process of getting his citizenship, adding he has been avoiding his job as a construction worker.
Like the chamber, Gina is greatly concerned for local businesses, specifically those along Nolensville Pike, where a vast immigrant population resides.
'I think the immigrant community revitalized this neighborhood and it's continuing to grow, and this could be a setback. And that affects all of Nashville. It will have a trickle-down effect,' Gina told News 2 on Monday.
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After what she called a 'hard week,' Gina is now working to help the businesses along Nolensville Pike, including collecting donations and food for affected families.
'Keep your eyes out, try to help your neighbor,' said Gina.
As for Cunza, he said he's had communication with the Metro government and other local chambers of commerce.
He hopes the federal government can work towards positive solutions or 'compromise' with these mass deportations, such as work visas for illegal immigrants in crucial sectors of the workforce (i.e. agriculture).
'What is the next step? I could not say to people 'don't worry' because it is something that will continue and will be happening throughout the year and beyond. I wish I could say differently but I can't,' Cunza said.
Cunza believes 'comprehensive immigration reform' is needed to rectify the issues that, he said, have mounted across several administrations.
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