'It’s been terrible for us': Aloha restaurant owner says customers have dried up since the ICE presence increased

ALOHA, Ore. — An Aloha restaurant owner said business has dramatically dropped in the wake of increased immigration enforcement in recent months.

Tapatio Mexican Restaurant owner Fabian Santana said they’ve been here in Aloha since 2002 and have always had a steady business — until about two months ago, when the customers dried up.

“A lot of guys from businesses, like construction or landscaping, they come have lunch with us here and they watch European soccer, but lately, they’ve disappeared," Santana said. "They're just afraid to come out.”

Santana said since immigration enforcement has increased, people are hesitant to be out in the community. He added that some of his customers are seeing family members detained.

“A couple days ago, there was a lady in the bar playing the poker mac