WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tensions are mounting in the nation’s capital as reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity intensify, particularly in the food service and gig economy sectors. Over the past several days, ICE agents have reportedly conducted surprise visits to several popular restaurants across Washington, D.C., requesting access to I-9 employment verification forms and raising widespread concern among workers, employers, and local officials.
While no arrests or detentions have been officially confirmed as of now, the presence of federal agents—some reportedly armed—has disrupted daily business operations and prompted fears among immigrant communities.
High-Profile Restaurants Among Those Visited
According to reporting from Washingtonian and FOX 5 DC, ICE agents made appearances at multiple well-known establishments on Tuesday, including:
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Pupatella, a popular pizzeria in Dupont Circle
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Chef Geoff’s, near American University Park
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Ghostburger, located in Shaw
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Millie’s, a high-end coastal eatery in Spring Valley
Witnesses reported that ICE agents entered Millie’s during the busy lunch hour, demanding to see I-9 paperwork that verifies employees’ legal authorization to work in the U.S. Some officers were visibly armed, adding to the sense of alarm. Despite their request to speak with employees, the restaurant’s manager reportedly declined, and no confrontation ensued.
Bo Blair, the restaurant’s owner, expressed frustration with the timing and intent of the raid. “We were under the impression that they were focusing on trying to find criminals,” he told Washingtonian. “And this is just a whole new level of harassment to our hard-working, law-abiding employees.”
Social Media Erupts With Unconfirmed Reports
In the wake of confirmed raids, social media platforms were flooded with unverified accounts suggesting similar ICE activity at other D.C. dining hotspots, including:
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Jaleo in Gallery Place
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Clyde’s in Georgetown
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Chang Chang in Dupont Circle
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Call Your Mother on Georgia Avenue
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Santa Rosa Taqueria on Capitol Hill
Though these reports have not been independently confirmed, they reflect the growing unease and alertness among both employees and patrons in the city’s vibrant hospitality scene.
Advance Warning From Immigration Advocacy Outlets
Interestingly, concerns about impending enforcement actions were circulating even before the raids began. Migrant Insider, a media outlet focused on immigration news in the D.C. region, published a report earlier in the week claiming that ICE planned operations on Tuesday and Wednesday, targeting undocumented workers in restaurants and food delivery services.
The report described a deliberate strategy, stating that agents intended to carry out their inspections between breakfast and dinner hours, when restaurants are busy but less likely to be fully staffed. Subway locations were reportedly a key focus, along with delivery workers—especially those operating scooters for apps like DoorDash.
Migrant Insider also issued a controversial warning that Mundo Verde Public Charter School, a bilingual charter school with a largely immigrant student population, could be on ICE’s radar for potential enforcement later in the week. As of now, this has not been confirmed, but the speculation has heightened anxiety among families.
Local Officials Respond with Concern
Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed the situation during a press conference on Tuesday, confirming that her office had been made aware of the ICE activity. She shared her concern over the nature of the operations.
“I have heard those reports. I’ve been getting them all morning,” Bowser said. “I am disturbed by them. It appears that ICE is at restaurants or even in neighborhoods, and it doesn’t look like they’re targeting criminals. It is disrupting.”
The Mayor’s statement echoes the sentiment of many in the D.C. community who see the enforcement actions as not only misaligned with ICE’s intended priorities but also harmful to the city’s fragile post-pandemic economic recovery.
Restaurant Industry Sounds the Alarm
The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), which represents over 60,000 food service establishments in the region, issued a strong statement following the reports. The organization emphasized the essential role immigrants play in the local food industry, noting:
“Immigrants make up a significant portion of our workforce at all levels. From dishwashers to executive chefs to restaurant owners, immigrants are irreplaceable contributors to our most celebrated restaurants and beloved neighborhood establishments.”
The statement went on to explain how even a single ICE visit can ripple across the business.
“At a time when our economy is already fragile, losing even one staff member at a single establishment has a profound impact on the operations of a restaurant and its ability to serve patrons. Disrupting restaurant staffing across the industry can create a damaging ripple effect felt immediately throughout the entire economy.”
Legal Documents at the Center of the Raids
At the heart of these raids is the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form, a mandatory document that all U.S. employers must maintain for every employee, verifying their identity and legal right to work. While it is not uncommon for ICE to perform audits of these forms, the manner and timing of the current inspections have raised red flags.
ICE has not yet released an official statement regarding the operations in D.C., nor has it confirmed the duration of its presence in the area. However, some observers interpret the widespread I-9 checks as a signal that the agency could remain active in the capital beyond Wednesday.
Fear and Uncertainty Ripple Through Communities
For many immigrant families, the heightened enforcement brings back memories of past crackdowns and fears of separation or legal complications. Workers in the restaurant industry—already one of the hardest-hit sectors during the pandemic—now face renewed stress and instability.
Local advocacy groups have begun circulating “Know Your Rights” materials in Spanish and other languages, reminding individuals that they are not required to speak to ICE agents without legal representation and encouraging them to remain calm and silent during encounters.
Conclusion: A City on Edge
As the week unfolds, all eyes are on D.C. to see whether ICE’s presence will continue—and whether community outrage will prompt a shift in policy or response from higher authorities.
In the meantime, restaurant owners, employees, and immigrant families remain caught in a web of fear, uncertainty, and disruption—hoping for clarity, and above all, for compassion.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by recent ICE activity in Washington, D.C., legal assistance and resources may be available through local immigrant rights groups and community organizations. Anyone witnessing federal enforcement activity is urged to report it to the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs or the ACLU of D.C. for further assistance.
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