ICE Surge In D.C. Chills Gig Work — Delivery Drivers Switch To Bikes, Leave City As Arrests Rise

Delivery drivers in Washington, DC—many Venezuelan migrants—say they have altered how they work or left the city amid a federal surge of ICE and other law enforcement. Drivers report switching from mopeds to bikes, avoiding street corners, and limiting service areas to reduce the risk of immigration checks and arrests. The enforcement push has led to fewer drivers on the streets, significant declines in delivery sales for some businesses, and heightened fear among families who rely on this income. Advocates warn the actions have chilled immigrant communities and pushed some workers to suburbs or out of delivery work entirely. The potential end to TPS for Venezuelans has amplified anxieties about deportation and job security.