Cinco de Mayo brings economic boost despite immigration concerns
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A surge in customers is giving local Latino-owned businesses a much-needed boost this Cinco de Mayo.
At Taqueria El Guero in Indio, owner Jesus Banderas says the holiday is bringing in one of their busiest days since opening earlier this year.
“Since we’ve opened, it’s been good for us,” Banderas says. “Today, May 5th, Cinco de Mayo, it’s been good for us. Right now, it’s been packed since the morning.”
In Thousand Palms, Taqueria San Miguel staff prepare for a busy night, expecting strong sales.
“We’re expecting to have a lot of people celebrate Cinco de Mayo, celebrate Mexico,” a waiter says. “We’re expecting to sell a lot of margaritas, a lot of tequila shots.”
But behind the celebration, business owners say recent months have been more challenging. Lingering fears tied to immigration enforcement have kept some customers from going out, impacting foot traffic and sales.
“When we started, it was mostly just Americans coming in back when ICE was out there,” Banderas says. “Everybody was scared to go out, but right now it’s been good. It’s starting to calm down. We’re starting to see more of our people, more of the raza coming out and supporting us.”
Local business leaders say those concerns have had a real impact across the valley. Rudy Morales, vice president of the Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce, says those concerns have led to noticeable economic declines.
“It has dropped at least about 10 percent as far as employment, marketing, productivity overall, and it’s hurting the economy,” Morales says.
Despite those concerns, the strong turnout this Cinco de Mayo is giving business owners hope that the community is regaining confidence and returning to support local establishments.
“The way we’re going to make an improvement is working as a team, united, and making sure everyone is treated equally,” Morales says.
For many, the celebration is not only about tradition but also resilience.
“That won’t stop our people from celebrating Cinco de Mayo,” a business representative says.
Police are also stepping up patrols across the valley, increasing enforcement in an effort to crack down on DUI drivers.
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.
