Broadacres Marketplace in North Las Vegas recently reopened after a temporary closure sparked by fears of immigration enforcement. The market, a hub for the local Latino community, had shut its doors on June 21, citing concerns about potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, though ICE stated no agents had been present. The closure followed reports of Border Patrol raids at a similar venue in Southern California, which heightened anxiety among vendors and patrons.
Upon reopening, the marketplace saw reduced foot traffic, with vendors noting that business had slowed significantly due to the closure and ongoing fears. Many vendors, like Luis Villagran and Esther Vitela, expressed a mix of relief and apprehension about resuming operations. They reported fewer customers and shared worries about restoring normal business levels. Some, like Mirna Diaz, had to secure additional jobs to make ends meet during the downtime.
Despite the economic impact, many vendors supported the temporary closure for safety reasons. The market has since collaborated with the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada and community advocates to enhance security and inform vendors of their rights. Measures include an alert system for law enforcement activity updates and the distribution of “Know-Your-Rights” pamphlets.
The commitment to safety and community support is evident as Broadacres seeks to reassure its vendors and patrons while encouraging a return to normalcy.