The Bronx Turns into a Ghost Town After ICE Raids, Leaving Immigrants and Non-Immigrants in Fear
ICE raids have caused widespread fear and panic, forcing many people—both immigrants and non-immigrants—to stay indoors. As a result, businesses are struggling, and the once-bustling Bronx now feels like a ghost town.
Benghazi, a senior barber in the Bronx, shared his concerns on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide Show with DJ Nyaami.
He described how the heightened immigration crackdowns have left the community on edge.
“When they arrest someone close to you, it feels terrible,” he said. “If your documents are not in order, you need to be extra cautious.”
According to Benghazi, many people are unaware of ICE’s deportation requirements.
“Whether you have nkrataa (legal documents) or not, you could still be arrested,” he revealed.
He noted that New York, which used to be full of people, has become eerily empty.
“Since morning, we’ve been at the barbershop, and not a single customer has come in. Business is slowing down because people are afraid to go out.”
The impact of the raids is being felt across all sectors.
“Most African and Hispanic shops remain open, but they are not getting customers,”
Benghazi said. He explained that Trump’s 100-day deportation plan has created uncertainty and fear, making people hesitant to step outside.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Benghazi recalled how he once helped aspiring barbers find work in the U.S. However, when approached by people in Ghana who wanted him to assist in migrating illegally, he refused.
“It wasn’t safe or realistic,” he said.
He also pointed out that while barbering used to be a sustainable trade, many barbers now need to take on part-time jobs to survive. Some immigrants come to the U.S. without legal documents, hoping to make money for projects back home, while others work hard to obtain nkrataa before pursuing better job opportunities.
The situation in New York is unprecedented. “There’s no traffic anymore,” Benghazi observed. “Three days ago, I took a bus, and there was only one other passenger. The bus stopped at every station, but no one boarded.”
The Bronx has truly transformed into a ghost town, as fear of ICE raids keeps people hidden and businesses struggling to survive.
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