LOS ANGELES — Federal immigration agents conducted enforcement operations in the Los Angeles Fashion District in June 2025, leading to arrests and a decline in sales for local clothing retailers. Business owners Joel Galvez and Leonor Torres reported a surge in their business debt following these operations.

The June 2025 operations resulted in the arrest of more than 40 immigrant workers and were accompanied by civil unrest in Southern California. Galvez and Torres, who own multiple clothing stores in the area, saw their business debt increase from $20,000 to approximately $150,000 after these events. Galvez owns two women's clothing stores, and Torres owns a shop specializing in quinceañera dresses. They also co-own a second quinceañera clothing shop.

Before the enforcement operations, Galvez's two stores each sold at least 50 dresses on typical Saturdays. Following the operations, sales dropped to approximately 10 dresses per store on typical Saturdays. Torres previously sold 20 dresses per week at her shop, but now sells around three dresses per week. The businesses sell dresses for proms, weddings, special occasions, and quinceañeras.

The business owners expressed the difficulties they have experienced. "It has been a real struggle." Galvez said. "Six months without sales. It drains you." Torres said. "We are operating under financial uncertainty. If we can sell enough to pay rent, I will be satisfied." Torres said. The monthly rent for their co-owned quinceañera shop is approximately $11,000.

The Los Angeles Fashion District Business Improvement District reported a nearly 13% decline in annual visits to the district after the operations. The district's data indicates that Latinos account for more than 60% of shoppers in the district. Broader impacts were also felt by Torres's family; her sister and brother, who co-own a banquet hall in Commerce, California, experienced a loss of one year's worth of bookings. Her brother's limousine business also saw cancellations after the operations.