A major crackdown conducted by the federal, state and city police in East Broadway, in Manhattan’s Chinatown, sent a wave of fear in many new Chinese immigrants. Apparently, Fujianese who come to eat and shop on East Broadway, chose to stay at home for fear of drawing attention to themselves.
The city Department of Sanitation, Consumer Affairs and the Fifth Precinct of the NYPD conducted an unexpected investigation into more than 10 businesses on East Broadway, Division and Eldridge Streets. They closed down three Internet cafes, two restaurants and one illegal gambling parlor. Numerous citations were issued. Seven people were arrested for illegal gambling, selling illegal liquor and cigarettes and manufacturing false identification documents.
Simultaneously, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, in a joint activity with New York State and City police, conducted a surprise search of long distance buses and commuter van businesses. All drivers had their identification checked.
The major crackdown in the East Broadway area raised a red alert for many new immigrants. Fewer people came to East Broadway and even fewer went to restaurants. One restaurant manager said that many people called for information. Many have heard of unsubstantiated stories and have imagined the situation to be much worse. But many also said that regardless of the fact, they would rather stay home and be safe. Business was adversely affected by the police activity.
The long distance bus companies also felt the consequences. A dispatcher said that fewer out-of-state Fujianese have come to New York in the last few days and that most of their costumers were non-Chinese. He added that many new immigrants have heard stories of ICE arresting illegal immigrants in Chinatown and chose to wait out the most recent crackdown.
Community leaders have also received more than the usual number of inquiry calls. They tell the callers that it is only rumors and that the crackdown is not on illegal immigrants, but restaurants, internet cafes and buses that have violations. They are trying to calm the Fujianese immigrants.
