Latino businesses navigate uncertainty as immigration fears impact Las Vegas economy
Latino-owned businesses across Las Vegas are confronting a perfect storm of challenges, with immigration anxieties creating market instability while rising costs and declining tourism compound their struggles, according to leaders at the Latin Chamber of Commerce.
Immigration uncertainty disrupts business stability
The nearly 50-year-old Latin Chamber of Commerce, which now represents over 1,500 members statewide, reports that fear within the Latino community is creating unprecedented market volatility for local businesses.
“When we’re still out here not knowing who’s going to get picked up, who’s next, that creates a little bit of uncertainty, which creates fluctuation in the market,” said Peter Guzman, president of the Latin Chamber of Commerce in Nevada. “And that’s not what businesses like. Businesses like to know what’s coming. They like stability.”
Guzman, who has worked with the chamber for almost 30 years, emphasized that businesses need policy predictability rather than political upheaval. “I’ve been pushing for comprehensive immigration reform,” he said. “I like policy because that’s what businesses need.”
Multiple pressures squeeze profit margins
The challenges extend beyond immigration concerns. Antonio Munoz, owner of 911 Tacos at Boulevard Mall, reports a 20% decrease in sales over the past six months compared to last year – a decline he attributes to multiple converging factors.
“Meat prices never substantially dropped after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Super Bowl isn’t in Las Vegas this year, and tourism has seen a slump,” Munoz explained. While he noted that tariffs haven’t directly impacted his business since most supplies are U.S.-sourced, the overall economic environment remains challenging.
The absence of the Super Bowl alone represents a significant loss for Las Vegas businesses that typically see major revenue boosts from the event’s visitors and related activities.
Chamber programs provide lifeline
Despite the headwinds, the Latin Chamber continues supporting struggling businesses through various initiatives:
- $250,000 grant program for small business assistance
- Cafecito monthly meetings – predominantly serving women entrepreneurs with valuable business insights
- Bilingual DETR leadership events to help navigate employment regulations
- Bank of America partnership providing financial resources
- Mentorship programs helping businesses avoid common pitfalls
The chamber helped Munoz himself last year, assisting 911 Tacos in finding its current Boulevard Mall location after outgrowing a commercial kitchen.
Recognition amid struggle
The City of Las Vegas recently proclaimed August 6 as Latin Chamber of Commerce Day, honoring the organization’s nearly five-decade legacy. The recognition came as founder Otto Merida reflected on the chamber’s journey from its 1970s beginnings to its current status as one of Nevada’s most influential business organizations.
“We are always very, very proud to be able to see my legacy in all of things that we see now here,” Merida said at the ceremony. He expressed hope that the chamber would continue “to push a dignified life for all Latinos, for all immigrants, to help them reach the dream, the American dream.”
Looking ahead with caution
As Latino businesses navigate these turbulent times, chamber leadership remains focused on advocacy and support. Guzman noted that while the organization has successfully opened doors that were once closed to Latino entrepreneurs, current conditions require renewed vigilance and community solidarity.
“What I hope for the next 50 years to the Latin chamber is continue to push a dignified life for all Latinos, for all immigrants,” Guzman said, echoing the founder’s vision while acknowledging the immediate challenges facing the community.
For now, Las Vegas’s Latino business owners continue adapting to an environment where uncertainty has become the only certainty, relying on community support and chamber resources to weather the storm.
Image Sources: https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/las-vegas-latino-owned-businesses-tested-amid-new-fears/
Category: Business
Subcategory: Economic Trends
Date: 08/19/2025
