FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 12, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT:
Claudine Battisti

BUSINESS LEADERS CALL ON CONGRESS TO REJECT ADDITIONAL DHS ENFORCEMENT FUNDING

Small business owners warn workforce instability creates ripple effects across food supply and local economies

Los Angeles, CA (Feb. 12, 2026) — Business leaders, small business owners, and workforce advocates gathered this morning to urge Congress to reject additional federal immigration enforcement funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), warning that expanded enforcement destabilizes California’s workforce and disrupts local economies.

Speakers emphasized that federal appropriations decisions have direct consequences for workforce participation, business continuity, and the cost of operating small businesses across Los Angeles County.

“We are here today because Congress is making funding decisions right now that will directly affect California’s workforce and economic stability,” said Alysia Bell, President of UNITE-LA. “Congressional funding decisions are economic decisions. We are urging Congress to reject additional DHS enforcement funding and instead prioritize investments that strengthen workforce stability and economic continuity.”

Elianne Rodriguez of the Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator & Fellowship delivered remarks on behalf of Los Angeles County Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, referencing a newly released Economic Impact Report examining the local consequences of intensified federal immigration enforcement.

“The Economic Impact Report confirms what our communities have experienced firsthand,” said Supervisor Solis in her statement. “Aggressive federal immigration enforcement in Los Angeles County is disrupting our economy, harming working families, destabilizing small businesses, and straining our social safety net. The findings also make clear that increasing ICE’s budget would intensify these impacts locally and in communities across the country.”

Local business owners described how instability creates a domino effect across industries. Patricia Torres, owner of El Sereno Greengrocer, explained that when agricultural workers are afraid to report to the fields or drivers are hesitant to transport goods, the impact reaches neighborhood markets quickly.

“When workers in the fields don’t show up, or drivers are too scared to get on the road, it affects whether I can get fresh produce into my store,” said Torres. “It becomes a chain reaction. And when customers are afraid to leave their homes, that affects our ability to serve the community. Congress should reject additional DHS enforcement funding and prioritize stability for workers and small businesses.”

Restaurant owner Sam Robles of La Carreta Mexican Restaurant described how fear in the community directly affects local businesses.

“When there is an ICE sighting in our neighborhood, the streets go silent within minutes. We often have to close early because customers are afraid to leave their homes,” said Robles. “We have seen shifts in sales during what are usually our busiest seasons, and even employees are afraid to come to work. I call on Congress to reject additional DHS enforcement funding. Our businesses need stability, not more fear.”

Speakers framed the issue as economic, not partisan, underscoring that workforce continuity is essential to regional prosperity and food access in local neighborhoods.

UNITE-LA and participating business leaders are calling on Congress to reject additional DHS enforcement funding and instead support federal investments that promote workforce stability, economic continuity, and long-term economic competitiveness.

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About UNITE-LA
Over the past 27 years, UNITE-LA has been a trusted business intermediary, dedicated to supporting the development of an effective local public education system, so that all children and youth succeed in college, career and beyond. Through the intersection of programming, policy, and systems change efforts, UNITE-LA works to increase access to high-quality early childhood education, develop career pathways in high-growth industries, improve college access and success, and ensure workforce readiness, especially for individuals with high barriers into the workforce. Visit www.unitela.com.