Photo essay: Eastside streets deserted, shops shuttered during ICE raids
Bustling scenes typical of busy streets in Boyle Heights and East L.A. have fallen eerily quiet following reports of federal agents raiding car washes, taco stands and other businesses
As immigration enforcement activity across Los Angeles County continues to spark fear, multiple businesses on the Eastside have temporarily closed up shop.
Bustling scenes typical of busy streets in Boyle Heights and East L.A. have fallen eerily quiet following reports of federal agents raiding car washes, taco stands and other businesses.
Boyle Heights Beat documented the impact, capturing the scenes of those empty streets.
Guero’s Car Wash, located near the intersection of Whittier Boulevard and Lorena Street, was closed on Monday, June 16, despite advertising showing services available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. (Photo by Alma Lucia for Boyle Heights Beat.)Tacos A Cabron, which usually sets up near the intersection of Atlantic Boulevard and Verona Street in East L.A., announced last week that the shop would temporarily close. Photo by Alma Lucia for Boyle Heights Beat.Xochitl Bakery, located on the corner of Cesar E. Chavez and N. Record avenues, was closed on Monday, June 16. The bakery is usually open 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. (Photo by Alma Lucia for Boyle Heights Beat.)A sign near the intersection of Pomeroy Street and City Terrace Drive said that Tacos Santa Rita, a popular street food spot, would be closed from June 15 to June 22. (Photo by Alma Lucia for Boyle Heights Beat.)Tacos La Bonita, a popular food truck regularly stationed in front of a CVS pharmacy in East Los Angeles, was not open on Monday, June 16, 2025. (Photo by Alma Lucia for Boyle Heights Beat.)A quiet scene at Tuzo’s Car Wash on Soto Street and Wabash Avenue on Monday, June 16. (Photo by Alma Lucia for Boyle Heights Beat.)La Blanquita Carnicería, located on the corner of Cesar E. Chavez and Gifford avenues, appeared to be closed on Monday, June 16, despite advertising being open 7 days a week. (Photo by Alma Lucia for Boyle Heights Beat.)Vendors near the intersection of Cesar E. Chavez Ave. and N. Alma Ave. were notably absent on Monday, June 16. Photo by Alma Lucia for Boyle Heights Beat.
Our approach to immigration coverage
At Boyle Heights Beat, we believe local journalism is a public service rooted in care, truth and accountability. In moments like these—when immigration enforcement brings fear, uncertainty and urgency—our mission is to inform, uplift and protect our community through accurate reporting, ethical storytelling and deep listening.
We know we can’t cover everything, but we remain committed to ongoing immigration coverage that reflects the needs and values of our community. We’ll be working closely with community organizations and residents on the ground to help verify information, respond to unfolding events, and ensure our reporting is responsible and informed by those most impacted.
Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Alma Lucia is a first-generation Mexican American. As a daughter of immigrant parents, she had to adapt and navigate life between two different cultures growing up. Today, she works to explore and highlight queer culture, BIPOC communities and conversations around parenthood.
