In a brazen display of intimidation, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained multiple Mexican restaurant workers in Minnesota just hours after enjoying lunch at the establishment. On Wednesday, four ICE officers entered El Tapatio around 3 p.m., only to return later that evening with three of the staff members in tow. Eyewitnesses described the scene as "chilling," noting that the staff were visibly shaken when the officers first arrived.
The detentions occurred just after the restaurant closed, and followed by the workers as they left the premises. Bystanders gathered on the sidewalk, with one passerby commenting, "Would your mama be proud of you right now?" The arrests are not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader pattern of ICE activity in Minnesota.
In recent weeks, similar incidents have been reported across the state, targeting workers at restaurants such as Pancho's Taqueria and Mexican Cafe. In one case, a worker was detained by ICE agents on January 13th and subsequently deported to Texas, despite having a valid work permit. A GoFundMe page has since been set up to support the worker's family and legal fees, which have raised nearly $25,000.
Additionally, ICE agents have been caught using deceptive tactics to target workers at private establishments, including a coffee shop in Brooklyn Park where they claimed to have hit a car in the parking lot. The Minnesota Star Tribune reported that one of the workers was suddenly handcuffed and taken away without explanation.
The threat of ICE arrests is having a profound impact on restaurants across the state. One establishment, El Rodeo, closed its doors due to staffing shortages caused by employees fearing they would be targeted by immigration authorities. A Facebook post from the restaurant expressed gratitude to its community for supporting them during this difficult time.
While these incidents may seem isolated, they highlight the chilling effect that ICE's presence has on workers in the hospitality industry. As one worker was quoted as saying, "I don't feel safe going to work anymore." The consequences of such intimidation tactics can be severe, and it is essential that policymakers take action to address this issue and provide support for workers who are being targeted by immigration authorities.
The detentions occurred just after the restaurant closed, and followed by the workers as they left the premises. Bystanders gathered on the sidewalk, with one passerby commenting, "Would your mama be proud of you right now?" The arrests are not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader pattern of ICE activity in Minnesota.
In recent weeks, similar incidents have been reported across the state, targeting workers at restaurants such as Pancho's Taqueria and Mexican Cafe. In one case, a worker was detained by ICE agents on January 13th and subsequently deported to Texas, despite having a valid work permit. A GoFundMe page has since been set up to support the worker's family and legal fees, which have raised nearly $25,000.
Additionally, ICE agents have been caught using deceptive tactics to target workers at private establishments, including a coffee shop in Brooklyn Park where they claimed to have hit a car in the parking lot. The Minnesota Star Tribune reported that one of the workers was suddenly handcuffed and taken away without explanation.
The threat of ICE arrests is having a profound impact on restaurants across the state. One establishment, El Rodeo, closed its doors due to staffing shortages caused by employees fearing they would be targeted by immigration authorities. A Facebook post from the restaurant expressed gratitude to its community for supporting them during this difficult time.
While these incidents may seem isolated, they highlight the chilling effect that ICE's presence has on workers in the hospitality industry. As one worker was quoted as saying, "I don't feel safe going to work anymore." The consequences of such intimidation tactics can be severe, and it is essential that policymakers take action to address this issue and provide support for workers who are being targeted by immigration authorities.
They're basically using fear to control people's livelihoods. It's like they think they can just waltz in and start picking people up whenever they want, without any regard for the consequences on those workers' lives. The fact that this has happened before and more often than we realize is what's so alarming... 
A worker being deported to Texas after having a valid work permit? That's not just unfair, it's also a slap in the face to people who've been following the rules. We need policymakers to step in and create some real change here... 
This whole situation is just so wrong, and it's not just about the workers, it's also about the impact on the community. I don't think we should have to live in fear of immigration authorities, especially when they're using tactics that are basically bullying and harassment. We need some real change here! 
i mean like, we pay so much more than they do back in mexico... anywayz back to ice and stuff... i think its crazy that ppl r being intimidated by them tho 
but at least el tapatio gave out free churros 2 the staff who got detained lol 
can u imagine if u showed up 2 work w/ a handcuff around ur wrist? 
ICE's behavior in Minnesota is absolutely disturbing, like they're trying to suck the life outta small businesses & their employees 
. And now they're living in fear, too scared to even go to work because of ICE's intimidation tactics 
. This is what happens when you politicize immigration enforcement... it's time for a new approach 
.
it's soooo not cool! They're like, literally showing up at work and saying "hey, we've got a warrant for ur arrest" 
and then taking them away 
. these workers r doin their jobs, payin there bills, and now they're bein held back by some fancy ICE agents 
. and the worst part? dey r scaring other workers too 
. that's not right! we should be supportin our local businesses, not runnin them outta town 
. these workers r people wiv families, just tryna make a livin' 
. let's not forget dat! 
. And can we talk about the lack of transparency? What's really going on behind those closed doors? It's time for some answers 
, I'm still fuming about this... these ICE agents think they can just waltz into a restaurant, spook the staff, and then take them away like they're some kind of fugitives? 
Like, who falls for that stuff? 
. It's like they're playing a game of cat and mouse with people just trying to make a living 
. I mean, can you imagine if someone showed up at your workplace and said "oh by the way, we're going to arrest you" without any explanation? It would be super scary 
.
. The fact that these agents are using deceptive tactics to target workers at private establishments is just disturbing 
. It's like they're preying on vulnerable people who are already in a delicate situation 
.
. This is not just about immigration policies, it's about human rights and dignity 
. The fact that some restaurants have already had to close due to staffing shortages is a clear indication of the impact these detentions are having on businesses and communities 
.
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... at people's expense 
. Detaining restaurant workers is not only creepy but also super inefficient, like they think a 3 pm taco lunch makes you an expert on labor law 
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!
It's not even like they were breaking any laws or anything, they were just having a meal 
I mean, isn't everyone entitled to work hard and earn a living without fear of deportation? 
️. These workers are already living in fear, and it's heartbreaking. I'm so glad there's a GoFundMe page to support them and their families. But we need more than just financial help - we need laws that protect people from being intimidated and deported for doing their jobs 
. This is not okay, and someone needs to take action