Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) has introduced the Small Business ICE Disruption Fund Act, aimed at providing financial relief to small businesses affected by federal immigration enforcement actions under the Trump administration. The proposed legislation would offer grants of up to $1 million to help businesses recover lost revenue linked to these enforcement activities.
Markey stated, “From Massachusetts to Minnesota, Trump’s ICE thugs are terrorizing communities and racially profiling and targeting individuals for immigration enforcement. As a result, frightened small business owners and workers have been forced to reduce hours, barricade doors, or close altogether. ICE is a disaster. My Small Business ICE Disruption Fund Act delivers real disaster relief for Main Street by providing grants for impacted small businesses. We must defund and abolish ICE and make ICE pay—legally and financially—for harm done to our small businesses and the communities they serve.”
Community leaders expressed support for the bill, citing significant economic challenges faced by immigrant-owned businesses in areas subject to frequent raids. Gladys Vega, President of La Colaborativa in Chelsea, Massachusetts said, “The indiscriminate targeting of our community has paralyzed our local economy, gravely affecting our local small businesses. Our downtown is often desolate, storefront vacancies are increasing, and the costs of doing business…are significantly straining local small business owners…We’re grateful for the proactive leadership of Senator Markey in protecting our community and local economy.”
Eneida Román, President and CEO of We Are ALX added: “When customers and key employees stop showing up out of fear or disruption, revenues decline and our local economy feels the strain…This legislation provides much-needed economic relief to help businesses recover and grow…”
Elizabeth Cruz from the Latin American Business Organization (LABO) highlighted that language barriers can prevent entrepreneurs from accessing necessary support: “Providing assistance in their native language is not optional; it is necessary to ensure equitable access…Microbusinesses operate on thin margins. Even modest declines in revenue or workforce instability can threaten their survival…”
Richard Trent of Main Street Alliance commented: “The same politicians who claim to support small businesses are backing ICE actions that crush foot traffic…These entrepreneurs work tirelessly for their communities…The Small Business ICE Disruption Fund offers immediate relief—helping businesses keep staff, pay rent, and stay open during this crisis.”
Erika Polmar from Independent Restaurant Coalition noted how thin profit margins leave restaurants vulnerable: “When immigration enforcement actions suddenly reduce staff availability or drive customers away…there is often no financial cushion…We’re grateful to Senator Markey (D-MA) for recognizing this reality…”
Camilla Taylor from American Sustainable Business Network remarked: “What we witnessed in Minnesota was a wake-up call: large-scale federal immigration enforcement can destroy local economies in a matter of weeks…”
John Arensmeyer with Small Business Majority cited research showing negative impacts on nearly half of surveyed owners due to increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity: “…a program that offers compensation for small businesses harmed by immigration actions would go a long way toward helping small businesses recover…”
Frank Knapp Jr., Managing Director of Secure Growth Initiative stated: “…Senator Markey’s bill offers financial help to the thousands of small businesses that have seen their income drop from no fault of their own….If Congress has $200 billion to create this immigration enforcement chaos, it can use some of that money to pay small businesses for their losses that result…”
Markey has also advocated against recent changes by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) restricting loan access based on citizenship status. He joined other congressional leaders urging SBA reversal on rules barring legal permanent residents from receiving loans.
The Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee plays an important role in supporting informed fiscal decision-making within Congress as outlined on its official website. The committee provides comprehensive policy options regarding federal budget matters here as well as nonpartisan analysis through oversight functions involving the Congressional Budget Office here. Established via legislation passed in 1974 here, it continues contributing resolutions relevant for budget reconciliation processes here.
