ICE Raids Hit Latino Shoppers: What It Means for You
A major food company just revealed something striking: ICE raids are so intense that Latino families are reusing cooking oil more times just to save money — and avoiding going outside. This is not just a business story. It is a sign of how deeply immigration enforcement is shaking everyday life for millions of people in the US right now.
Latino Families Are Changing Their Habits Under ICE Pressure
A major food company just gave us a rare look at how ICE raids are affecting everyday life for Latino immigrants in the US. Associated British Foods (ABF), the company that owns the Mazola cooking oil brand, told investors that sales of cooking oil in the US are falling — and they blame financial stress and immigration enforcement targeting Hispanic households. The company's chief executive said Latino consumers are "feeling a bit miserable" because of economic pressure and fear of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), the federal agency that arrests and detains people for immigration violations.
The impact is showing up in small but telling ways. ABF's CEO said Hispanic customers are now reusing cooking oil more times before throwing it out — going from about three uses to four. Some Latino consumers have also shifted to online shopping to avoid going out in public, likely out of fear of ICE arrests. The company said it does not expect these changes to reverse before 2027. This is not just a business story. It shows how deportation fears are reshaping the daily routines of millions of people.
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Why This Matters If You Are an Immigrant
You are not alone if you feel afraid to leave your home or spend money. Many immigrants across the US are making the same adjustments. But fear can also lead people to make decisions that hurt them — like missing a work permit renewal deadline or skipping an immigration court hearing. Missing a court date can result in a removal order (deportation) issued without you even being present. Staying informed and taking action on your immigration case is more important than ever.
What to Do
- Know your rights during an ICE encounter. You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to open your door unless ICE has a signed judicial warrant. Carry a know-your-rights card if possible.
- Do not miss immigration deadlines. If you have a work permit (Form I-765, the Employment Authorization Document or EAD), renew it before it expires. The filing fee is $520 in 2026. Missing the deadline can leave you without legal work authorization.
- Attend all immigration court hearings. If you skip your hearing, a judge can order your deportation in your absence. If you cannot attend, contact your lawyer immediately.
- Talk to an immigration lawyer. If you are undocumented or have a pending case, a lawyer can help you understand your options — including asylum, TPS (Temporary Protected Status), or other forms of protection.
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If you are in removal proceedings (the formal legal process that can lead to deportation), missing even one court date can result in an in-absentia removal order — meaning a judge orders your deportation without you present, and reversing that order is very difficult. If ICE approaches you, you have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney before answering questions about your immigration status. Given the current enforcement climate, anyone with an open immigration case or an expiring status should consult an immigration attorney as soon as possible to avoid losing options that may still be available.