As a rule, in the New York Tri-State region, the first quarter of the year tends to be slow for entertainment. Consumers are recovering from Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year and holiday trips abroad. This, combined with winter time, puts brakes on consumer spending for restaurants, nightclubs, parties, theaters, bars and concerts during the first three months of the year.
Although several consumer reports indicate a post-paid rebound in leisure expenses at pre-countryic levels from 2023, a formidable new obstacle suddenly appeared in the Caribbean entertainment landscape: a national deportation wave targeting non-residents documented and the new the York Tri-State region with its enormous population of immigrants has not been spared.
In recent days, the situation in New York has gone from bad to worse. The office of the mayor of New York has just canceled a long -standing previous protection which has prohibited agents of American immigration and the application of customs (ICE) to carry out raids in municipal agencies, in particular schools, Shelters and prisons unless the agents are armed with a judicial mandate signed by a federal judge authorizing a specific arrest.
This protection has now crossed the window. With the change in city policy, federal authorities looking for undocumented immigrants now have free access to all city agencies, even if workers of these properties feel “reasonably threatened” by the presence of glacial agents.
In addition, the director of the county of Nassau, Bruce Blakeman, republican and ally of Trump, announced Tuesday that his office will provide an additional workforce to stimulate ice efforts in an area where there are many Caribbean residents And where there are several highly publicized places of entertainment. This includes UBS Arena, a popular location for music and sport events.
Blakeman provides 10 county police detectives to help and help the efforts to collect targeted immigrants, and detectives will receive the same authority as federal immigration agents to hold immigrants who are illegally after being accused of ‘Other crimes.
The Sunday gleaner Speaking to several promoters of the Caribbean region, business owners and industry managers this week to see how recent ice raids affect entertainment.
“I fully support the complete overhaul of the American immigration system, but the horrible destruction of people’s life is equivalent to Hitler’s ethnic cleaning,” said Bobby Clarke, head of management of Irie Jam Media in New York. “I have not yet seen raids on ice on the communities of Swedish, Russian and Eastern Europe immigrants,” continued Clarke. “Trump has to stop this now.”
Kemar Blake, head of management of the Bellyful and Reggae restaurant on avenue in Brooklyn, also shared his thoughts. “Entertainment offers a subsistence to the Caribbean community in this region, and the industry generates millions of dollars thanks to jobs and expenses to feed families and send funds to Jamaica and other islands . Ice raids will only have a negative impact on the entertainment industry here, “he said.
The owner of a Jamaican food establishment in New Jersey, who did not want to be identified, shed his heart.
Positive contribution
“The undocumented workers have contributed positively to the catering-restaurant service industry. Brass -drunk sweeping during employment have a negative impact not only undocumented workers and their families, but also local businesses that depend on them for support to serve the community. There must be a more human and socially responsible way to solve the problem. »»
And the Ambassador of New Jersey Reggae, Ras Emmanuel, who is absent in Gambia, sounded with his thoughts.
“As a Jamaican immigrant myself, I support those who are ruthlessly expelled, who only try to make a better life for themselves and their families. Deportations are bad for the entertainment sector because it generates fear. Our employees will not want to go out for parties, clubs and shows in this environment, “he said.
“I hope we can repair the immigration system without destroying lives and tearing families,” added the five -year -old father.
The Sunday gleaner Recorded with Bred Bernstein, managing manner in the New York law offices in Spar & Bernstein to see what advice he would offer for those who distress them.
“If you are stopped by ice in a club, a party, a concert or a place, immediately contact a lawyer. Although we cannot prevent arrest, we can support you and your family, thanks to the legal process. It is also essential to know your rights, to remain calm and non-combative, and to document or register the situation if necessary to protect you and ensure appropriate legal representation, “said Bernstein.
“If the ice appears at your residence, do not let them enter unless they have a signed judicial mandate that must be asked to see. Again, save the meeting on your phone, ask for an identity document and stay calm, ”advised the immigration specialist.