New York Entertainment Executives Voice Concerns Over Potential Trump Deportations: Impact on the Industry

The New York tri-state area usually experiences a slow start to the year in entertainment. After spending on holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, many people tighten their budgets. Cold winter weather doesn’t help either. As a result, there’s less money flowing into restaurants, nightclubs, theaters, and concerts during the first few months.

However, 2023 has brought a post-pandemic rise in leisure spending. Just as things were looking up, a new challenge hit the Caribbean entertainment scene. There’s been a national surge in deportations aimed at undocumented immigrants, affecting areas with large immigrant populations, like the New York tri-state region.

Recently, New York City’s mayor made a significant policy change. For years, city agencies were protected from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids unless agents had a judicial warrant. Now, that protection is gone. ICE agents can access city agencies freely, even when city workers feel uncomfortable or threatened by their presence.

Adding to the tension, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced that he would boost ICE efforts in areas with many Caribbean residents. This includes adding police detectives to assist in the searches. These detectives will have the authority to detain immigrants if they are charged with other crimes.

The Sunday Gleaner spoke with various Caribbean business owners and promoters about how these ICE activities are affecting the entertainment industry.

Bobby Clarke, the CEO of Irie Jam Media, shared his strong concerns. “While I support changing the immigration system, these raids are devastating lives. It seems like there’s a bias in who gets targeted. We need to stop this,” he argued.

Kemar Blake, who runs Bellyful Restaurant and Reggae On The Avenue in Brooklyn, expressed his worries too. “The entertainment industry is crucial for our community. It creates jobs and supports families. These raids will hurt local businesses,” he stated.

A restaurant owner from New Jersey, who wished to remain anonymous, highlighted the vital role of undocumented workers. “They are key to the restaurant and entertainment industries. Current actions are harmful not just to these individuals but to our entire community. We need more humane solutions,” she stressed.

New Jersey Reggae Ambassador Ras Emmanuel, who is currently in Gambia for a performance, voiced his thoughts from afar. “As a Jamaican immigrant, I stand with those facing deportation. These actions create fear, making our people hesitant to attend events. We need to fix immigration without tearing families apart,” he said.

The Sunday Gleaner also reached out to Bred Bernstein, a managing partner at a law firm in New York City, for advice for those in precarious situations. “If ICE arrives at a venue, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Know your rights, try to remain calm, and document the encounter if you can,” he advised.

“If ICE comes to your home, only allow them entry if they show a signed judicial warrant. Always ask to see it, and remember to record the interaction if possible,” Bernstein counseled.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com