In Pasadena, a community comes together for a 14-year-old street vendor
Briefly

Chris Luna Garcia, at just 14 years old, took over his mother's tamale business following an immigration raid that frightened their community. Demand for his tamales surged, prompting him to bring in extra help. His mother, Carmen, remained scared despite having legal residency after witnessing the detention of her customers. The wave of recent immigration enforcement has also led American-born children to assume responsibilities in their parents' street vending operations. Community activist Alex 'Tio Joker' Murillo has been actively supporting youth businesses through social media exposure.
Chris, a 14-year-old boy, took over his mother's street vending business after an immigration raid, where he experienced increased demand for tamales.
His mother, Carmen, expressed her fear after the immigration sweep, despite holding legal residency, reflecting the anxiety among many in the community.
Community activist Alex 'Tio Joker' Murillo shared a video of Chris on social media, aiming to support Latino youth amid the immigration crackdown.
The recent immigration sweeps led to American-born children stepping in to manage street vending businesses due to fear and uncertainty.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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