State Senator warns immigration enforcement fears are impacting local economy
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — State Senator Fabian Donate has raised concerns about the impact of federal immigration enforcement on Southern Nevada’s economy, citing a recent soccer match at Allegiant Stadium as evidence of fear within the Hispanic community.
“What we have seen over the last several weeks is that there is a distrust that is growing distrust within the Latino community,” said Donate. “Particularly what that’s leading to is that there are individuals right now in Las Vegas who are afraid to leave their homes, whether it’s to the grocery store or the swamp meet.”
The senator pointed to the closure of Broadacres Marketplace and low attendance at a Mexico soccer match as indicators of community fear.
Mexico played games at Allegiant Stadium in 2021 and 2023, both of which saw higher attendance. Attendance at the recent match was just under 37,000. Games in 2021 and 2023 saw 55,000 and over 57,000 attendees, according to numbers from the Stadium Authority.
“What we are facing right now is an economic fallout based on the decisions that are happening at the federal and state levels,” said Donate. “It’s important for us to ensure that we’re protecting businesses regardless of who they are, whether they’re founded by immigrants or Latino families.”
The Nevada GOP responded to the closure of Broadacres Marketplace with a post on X, stating, “If you can’t stay open without illegal aliens, you don’t deserve to be open.” They further claimed that businesses employing undocumented workers evade taxes and exploit employees.
Donate emphasized the need for bipartisan efforts to address the issue. “Ultimately, right, the only way to resolve this is through comprehensive immigration reform,” he said. “I’m a firm supporter of what President Bush introduced back in the early 2000s in terms of providing a pathway for those who have paid their fair share.”
