ICE raid damages local economy

On Aug. 12, there was a raid conducted by ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] on a plant in Weaverville. Fifty-seven people were arrested for being undocumented workers. [Twenty-eight] folks are in jail in Charlotte or Atlanta, likely to be deported. Twenty-nine were released because they have kids or health issues, but they too will most likely be deported soon.

What I am about to say is not to justify illegal immigration (though poverty and war have mostly left them with little choice). These actions, however, have driven fear into the undocumented community. This fear has grown into panic, keeping people from leaving their homes. I have come to understand that—not coincidentally—the Hendersonville Wal-Mart is about half as busy as it normally is, and a popular Asian restaurant in Arden was almost empty the past couple weekends. Further, it is a known point that some businesses have had to shut down because they don’t have enough clientele to keep them open.

The process of arrest and deportation is expensive. Our tax money pays for this.  The longer the [detainees] must stay in jail, the more comes out of our pockets.

Friends, in a time of astronomic economic deficit, is it prudent to be showering communities with fear—thus keeping them from commerce? Is it prudent to be spending tax money on the deportation process, when there is no money to spend on it? A more cost-effective way to handle this issue is with comprehensive immigration reform (not amnesty), offering a just way of keeping our economy growing—not falling into deeper debt.

When we vote, we must consider who is really for a strong economy versus who really just wants our vote.

— Megan Reilly Buser
Asheville

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Webmaster
Mountain Xpress Webmaster Follow me @MXWebTeam

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

One thought on “ICE raid damages local economy

  1. Al Cottingham

    ICE does not harm our local economy. It enforces the law. And does a good job at that. If you don’t like the immigration laws and want to open up our borders, change the law. Until then, the law will be obeyed. Illegal immigrants COST us plenty. They use the emergency rooms for “free” baby deliveries, on us of course. They get AFDC and Food Stamps, also charged to the taxpayer. They drive without a license and without insurance.

    If we are going to have temporary workers from mexico, we need to set up a visa system whereby they come and work, then return home.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.