Houston Restaurant Owners Face Unprecedented Challenges

Texas Restaurants Struggle Amid Immigration Raids

Texas restaurants are facing a severe decline in sales and staffing, heavily influenced by heightened U.S. immigration raids. Owners report significant impacts as fear among customers and employees drives them away, harming the restaurant industry’s economic stability in the state.

At Los Primos, a Mexican restaurant in the Houston area, owner Oscar Garcia Santaella has seen his sales drop by 40% since immigration enforcement actions intensified. His primary customer base, consisting mainly of Latinos, has been adversely affected as many members of their community fear being targeted by immigration agents during raids.

The Texas Restaurant Association has reported troubling statistics, indicating that 23% of its members experienced a loss of employees in the second quarter of 2025. In addition, 21% reported receiving fewer job applications and 16% witnessed a decrease in customer numbers. The immigration crackdowns have left many establishments struggling to maintain normal operations due to a shrinking workforce.

Current Environment and Employee Concerns

Santaella’s situation reflects a larger trend occurring across Texas, where approximately 40% of the population is Latino. Recent immigration enforcement actions, including raids at nearby housing complexes where some of his staff reside, have instilled a deep sense of insecurity. Employees, fearing arrest and deportation, are hesitant to come to work, exacerbating the labor shortage in the restaurant sector.

This labor shortage not only affects restaurant owners but also contributes to rising food prices and diminished service quality, further complicating the economic climate for these businesses. As fewer American-born workers enter the industry, many restaurateurs are left struggling to find replacements.

Wider Implications and Advocacy Efforts

The impact of these immigration policies stretches beyond the borders of Texas, reflecting broader challenges faced by the U.S. restaurant and service industry. Staffing shortages fueled by immigration crackdowns have disrupted operations nationwide, leading to calls for policy reform.

A growing number of stakeholders, including the Texas Restaurant Association, are advocating for temporary work permits for undocumented immigrants. This measure aims to fill labor gaps without granting full citizenship or amnesty. Supporters of this initiative argue that it would help restore some stability within the restaurant sector, helping ensure that businesses can operate effectively and meet the demands of their clientele.

Despite the controversies surrounding immigration policy, critics emphasize that any changes should still prioritize border security. They argue that while addressing labor shortages is crucial, it never should come at the expense of national security. Ongoing discussions are expected as various organizations propose new legislative frameworks to balance both security and economic needs.

Support for Economic Stability

Recently, over 970 chefs and restaurant leaders from across the country have come together to support calls for better immigration policies, emphasizing their critical importance to the economic stability of the food industry. Alongside advocates for the agricultural sector, they highlight the significance of the immigrant workforce in keeping businesses operational, especially in sectors where American-born workers have not filled available positions.

As Texas and other states navigate these challenging dynamics, the future of the restaurant industry hangs in the balance. Stakeholders continue to push for solutions that will allow businesses to recover and thrive amidst evolving immigration policies and the labor landscape.