1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

Agents from ICE went to El Tapatio, a Mexican restaurant in Willmar, Minnesota, sat down, ordered food, and were served by workers doing their jobs. Hours later (after the restaurant had closed) the same agents returned and detained workers who had just served them, reportedly following them as they left for the night. What should have been an ordinary workday ended in fear and detention. This is ridiculous because it turns normal human interaction into a weapon. Eating at a restaurant is supposed to be a neutral, everyday act. Using that moment to observe, identify, and later arrest workers tells immigrant communities that no space is safe not even the workplace, not even while doing everything right. The impact extends far beyond the people detained. When enforcement happens this way, it sends a message to entire neighborhoods that visibility itself is dangerous. It breeds fear in restaurants, shops, churches, and job sites, and it teaches people to withdraw from public life simply to protect themselves. It’s also important to remember that private businesses have the right to refuse to serve ICE agents. No one is obligated to assist, cooperate with, or normalize enforcement actions that place workers and communities at risk! Please, act now to protect Ohioans. Enforce limitations to restrict ICE's power in Ohio!