Trump's Immigration Crackdown Damages Las Vegas Tourism Industry and Sows Fear Among Workers

Strategic Insights -

Local activists warn that an estimated 25% of Nevada workers were born abroad, and immigrant workers are crucial to the tourism and hospitality industries. However, Immigration and Custom Enforcement officers have detained around 40% more people per day in South Nevada than last year, with 69% of them having no criminal convictions. This surge in detentions has led to a 6.5% drop in visitors to Las Vegas in May compared to the same month in 2024, with hotels making 5.7% less money.

Key Takeaways:

  • An estimated 25% of all Nevada workers were born abroad, compared to 17% in America as a whole.
  • Immigrant workers make up 74% of hotel housekeepers and 51% of restaurant line cooks in Las Vegas.
  • The surge in detentions has led to a 6.5% drop in visitors to Las Vegas in May compared to the same month in 2024.
  • Hotels in Las Vegas made 5.7% less money in May compared to the same month in 2024.
  • 69% of those detained had no criminal convictions.
  • Ted Pappageorge, secretary treasurer of the local chapter of the Culinary Workers Union, stated that "This industry cannot function without immigrant workers."
  • Michael Kagan, director of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Immigration Clinic, said calls to his group had "more than tripled" due to immigration fears.
  • The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported that foreign tourist spending is projected to fall by 7% this year due to travelers' fears about being detained or turned away at the border.

Statistics:

  • 25% of all Nevada workers were born abroad.
  • 17% of American workers were born abroad.
  • 74% of hotel housekeepers in Las Vegas were born overseas.
  • 51% of restaurant line cooks in Las Vegas were born overseas.
  • 40% more people were detained in South Nevada per day than last year.
  • 69% of those detained had no criminal convictions.
  • 6.5% drop in visitors to Las Vegas in May compared to the same month in 2024.
  • 5.7% less money made by hotels in Las Vegas in May compared to the same month in 2024.
  • 7% fall in foreign tourist spending in the US due to immigration fears.

Sources:

  • Fox 5 Vegas
  • University of Nevada, Las Vegas Immigration Clinic
  • Culinary Workers Union
  • Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
  • Ronda Churchill / AFP via Getty Images
  • Pappageorge, Ted. Interview by Fox 5 Vegas.
  • Kagan, Michael. Interview by Fox 5 Vegas.
  • Hill, Steve. Interview by Fox 5 Vegas.