In a candid statement, Doral's Mayor, Christi Fraga, revealed that immigration raids carried out by ICE and the Border Patrol are instilling fear that significantly impacts the local economy. Business owners are witnessing a sharp decline in sales, and employees are quitting due to the fear of being apprehended.
“It’s no secret, nor is it a lie, that many people are extremely fearful in Doral right now,” Fraga stated during a podcast with journalist Enrique Santos on September 14.
The mayor highlighted the disparity among businesses: "On Friday, I went to a well-known restaurant in Doral, and there was a one-hour wait for seating. In contrast, other places that are usually bustling are now visibly empty."
During the discussion, Fraga voiced her concern for those being detained and deported, individuals who sought refuge in the United States while fleeing oppressive regimes.
“I can’t comprehend sending a Haitian with genuine fear, who applied for political asylum and TPS, back to Haiti after canceling their TPS amidst the chaos of gangs and violence there. How can we return someone to Cuba? Some are not even being accepted by Cuba and end up in Africa. What is happening?” she questioned.
However, she acknowledged the presence of irregularities and abuses within the asylum process, which has prompted stricter measures.
“Some have exploited the system or lied during the asylum process. We are aware that there are many spies from Cuba, Venezuela, and other nations that intend to harm us. The country has the right and duty to protect us from those who wish to do us harm. This is understood, and the border is also a relief,” she emphasized.
The Economic Impact: Real Stories and Figures
A report by Univision highlighted that Katia Rios, owner of Pipo Burgers, has seen her sales plummet by 70%.
Miguel Ángel Flores, who operates a food cart in the city, reported a similar decline since the raids became more frequent. A karate school has lost about half of its enrollments in just three weeks.
The impact extends beyond sales: numerous businesses are also experiencing sudden resignations from workers with work permits and ongoing immigration processes, who choose to leave their jobs rather than risk encounters with federal agents.
In her interview with Santos, Fraga clarified the limitations of local government: municipal authorities have no jurisdiction to prevent federal agents from conducting operations, nor does the city receive prior notification of upcoming raids.
She also assured that Doral does not share resident data with ICE and that local police do not lead or participate in the raids, although in January 2026, the council approved a 287(g) agreement with ICE, allowing some collaboration under the Task Force model.
Fear Extends Beyond Businesses
Entire families are choosing to keep their children in virtual classes. Venezuelan driver Lisbeth Lovo explained to Telemundo 51 that she transports about six children to school daily “because their parents are afraid to drive.”
Doral is home to around 27,000 Venezuelan-origin residents within a total population of approximately 76,490, marking it as the largest concentration of Venezuelans outside of Venezuela.
The city voted approximately 60% for Donald Trump in 2024, significantly influenced by his stance against chavismo.
Border czar Tom Homan defended the operations on September 11, stating, “Those who supported President Trump voted for him to enforce immigration laws and secure the border.”
Councilman Rafael Piñeyro, more critical than the mayor, sent letters to federal lawmakers in South Florida with a direct message: “Let them complete their immigration process. The immigration court and officers, in their respective cases, should make that decision.”
According to data from the research center TRAC, about 74% of those detained in ICE facilities have no criminal convictions, a statistic that contradicts the official narrative that the operations target only dangerous criminals.
ICE arrests in Doral increased from three in December 2025 to 17 in July 2026, according to the Miami Herald, while nationwide, ICE recorded 49,571 arrests in July, marking the highest monthly figure during Trump’s second term.
ICE operations continue to reshape daily life in communities like Doral. Stay informed about U.S. immigration policies to understand their impact on residents and businesses.
Understanding the Impact of ICE Raids on Doral
What has been the economic impact of ICE raids in Doral?
ICE raids have significantly affected Doral's economy, with businesses like Pipo Burgers experiencing a 70% drop in sales and others reporting similar declines. The raids have also led to sudden resignations from workers fearing encounters with federal agents.
How are Doral residents reacting to the ICE operations?
Many residents in Doral are living in fear, avoiding public appearances and even opting for virtual classes for their children. This climate of fear is prevalent, particularly among the Venezuelan community.
What are the limitations of local authorities in Doral regarding ICE raids?
Local authorities in Doral do not have the power to stop federal agents from conducting raids. They also do not receive prior notice of these operations, and the local police do not participate in them, though some collaboration exists through a 287(g) agreement with ICE.