The Framingham-Era of Empanades, Pasta and Coffee, accompanied by the beaten smile of Andina Cafe Gina Fonseca employees, invited a welcome warmth for individuals seeking to oppose a cold, late February.
But Andina Cafe, in 197 Concord St., is among many businesses in the city center where owners and employees have expressed concern about the impact of a recent reported attack of immigration and custom implementation (ICE). Specifically, they have observed a significant reduction in Latin and Spanish customers who speak.
“A year ago, my boss said things were better then,” Fonseca told the Daily News. “Many of the clients who enter here are mostly Latin or Spanish people who speak. (But) many clients feel scared.”
Hispanic or Latinos make up 18.7% of the Framingham population, according to US Census Statistics, making them the largest immigrant demographics.
“Many of us come from the same cities and states in Brazil, so everyone is really open and enjoy talking to each other,” said Gabriel Viana, manager at Terra Brasilis Restaurant, in 94 Union Ave. When the raids began earlier this year, Viana said they became the only topic of discussion after arrests sent shockwaves through the community.
Two men of Guatemala were arrested on 2 February by ice in Framingham
ICE issued two separate statements about February 2 arrests in Framingham of two Guatemala men illegally. There has been no other captures in the city in the city.
But Fonseca said she was a first -hand witness an arrest that was taking place near the cafe last week. Since then, the flow of non-American customers in the cafe has declined.
Viana expressed similar concerns, as the consequences of the raids left empty streets, with fearful immigrants to leave their homes or go to work.
“I think it was like a three or four weeks strong where things were too slow and quiet; you will not even see anyone walking,” he said.
Business concern spreads beyond restaurant industry
The food industry is not the only affected business, said Adre Luis Barbosa da Silva, co-owner and director of urban furniture operations at 34 Union Ave., adding that since the beginning of ICE raids, not a single itinerant client has entered the store.
Urbano relies on walks because sales cannot end online. February was the worst month of the Framingham store in terms of sales, said Da Silva, who expressed concern about the decline that could be extended to March.
“This scenario can change suddenly – suddenly, because the client can leave,” he said after admitting that sales were better during the first days of this month.
Similar concerns were raised by Vania Maria, owner of Tailor Alteration, at 118 Union Ave. In a text message she said, “I haven’t had any customer for about four weeks. I’m thinking of looking for another job because my husband is dealing with bills.”
Maria remained hopefully that with the coming of the warmer weather, more clients will need changes for events such as graduations and weddings.
Tatiana Vasconcellos, co -ordinator for Downtown Framingham Inc., who acts as a liaison between businesses, residents and the city, expressed hope that business conditions would be slowly improved.
“I think, though there is still a lot of uncertainty, people realize they have to continue with their lives,” she said. “So things are very, little by little, returning to normal.”