Senator Edward J. Markey, the ranking member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, has introduced legislation aimed at supporting small businesses affected by federal immigration enforcement actions. The proposed bill, known as the Small Business ICE Disruption Fund Act, would provide grants to help small businesses recover lost revenue due to disruptions linked to these enforcement activities.
According to Senator Markey, “From Massachusetts to Minnesota, Trump’s ICE thugs are terrorizing communities and racially profiling and targeting individuals for immigration enforcement. As a result, frightened small business owners and workers have been forced to reduce hours, barricade doors, or close altogether. ICE is a disaster. My Small Business ICE Disruption Fund Act delivers real disaster relief for Main Street by providing grants for impacted small businesses. We must defund and abolish ICE and make ICE pay—legally and financially—for harm done to our small businesses and the communities they serve.”
The legislation allows eligible businesses to recoup up to $1 million in lost revenue resulting from immigration enforcement operations.
Several community leaders have voiced their support for the bill. Gladys Vega, President of La Colaborativa in Chelsea, Massachusetts said, “Local, immigrant-owned small businesses are cornerstones of communities like Chelsea. The indiscriminate targeting of our community has paralyzed our local economy, gravely affecting our local small businesses. Our downtown is often desolate, storefront vacancies are increasing, and the costs of doing business, linked to unfair tariffs, are significantly straining local small business owners, while everyday costs are unaffordable for residents. In this critical moment, we’re grateful for the proactive leadership of Senator Markey in protecting our community and local economy.”
Eneida Román of We Are ALX stated: “We Are ALX applauds Senator Markey’s Small Business ICE Disruption Fund Act, which addresses the challenges many Latino-owned businesses have faced over the past year due to excessive federal immigration enforcement. When customers and key employees stop showing up out of fear or disruption, revenues decline and our local economy feels the strain, directly threatening the Latino prosperity we’ve worked so hard to build in our community. This legislation provides much-needed economic relief to help businesses recover and grow, while also boosting our state’s economic impact.”
Elizabeth Cruz from the Latin American Business Organization (LABO) highlighted how language barriers compound these issues: “Over the past year, I have witnessed firsthand how immigration related enforcement and uncertainty have significantly impacted our business community... It is also essential to recognize the importance of language access... Providing assistance in their native language is not optional; it is necessary to ensure equitable access... Microbusinesses operate on thin margins... This bill is important because it acknowledges that these challenges affect entire local economies.”
Richard Trent from Main Street Alliance commented: "The same politicians who claim to support small businesses are backing ICE actions that crush foot traffic... These entrepreneurs work tirelessly for their communities... The Small Business ICE Disruption Fund offers immediate relief—helping businesses keep staff, pay rent..."
Erika Polmar with Independent Restaurant Coalition noted: “Independent restaurants and bars operate on some of the thinnest margins - between 3%-5% - ... even short-term disruptions can result in an extinction event... When immigration enforcement actions suddenly reduce staff availability or drive customers away... We’re grateful to Senator Markey (D-MA) for recognizing this reality..."
Camilla Taylor from American Sustainable Business Network added: “When employees and customers do not feel safe on their streets... What we witnessed in Minnesota was a wake-up call: large-scale federal immigration enforcement can destroy local economies in a matter of weeks..."
John Arensmeyer with Small Business Majority cited research indicating significant impacts from increased activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents: "Small Business Majority's research found that 47% of small business owners say increased activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents has had a negative impact on their business..."
Frank Knapp Jr., Managing Director of Secure Growth Initiative stated: “Mass deportation efforts are causing small businesses across the county to lose revenue… Senator Markey's bill offers financial help… If Congress has $200 billion to create this immigration enforcement chaos… it can use some of that money…”
Senator Markey continues his efforts advocating for immigrant communities' rights within Congress through various letters urging changes at agencies such as SBA regarding lending rules affecting legal permanent residents.
The Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee supports informed decision-making on national fiscal priorities through its policy options offered to Congress (official website). Established by legislation in 1974 (official website), it plays a role in budgetary analysis via oversight responsibilities including those involving the Congressional Budget Office (official website).
