Latino businesses in the Portland area are facing fewer customers as immigration arrests continue, even though the enforcement is less visible than last year. Fernando Hernandez, who sells tamales and esquites from his food truck in Gresham, says his sales are down 40 percent this year compared to last summer. He also said sales dropped about 60 percent last fall, and two employees left earlier this year after he reduced their hours to keep the business afloat. At M&M Marketplace in Hillsboro, manager Jaime Miranda said about 10 small businesses have left this summer because sales were down 30 percent to 40 percent. A Portland-area Latino grocery store also estimated business was down 35 percent to 40 percent, while the owner of another grocery store in Gresham said sales have dropped about 50 percent this summer. “Less visibility does not necessarily mean less impact,” said Nicole Davison León, executive director of the Hispanic Metro Chamber. The chamber has launched a financial assistance program of up to $10,000 for small businesses facing disruption.
