An anonymous restaurateur referred to undocumented workers as essential to the nation’s economy. It has been more than a month since President Trump issued executive orders aimed at tightening immigration enforcement and deporting undocumented individuals. Shortly after taking office, the president initiated steps towards fulfilling his pledge of widespread deportations. As rumors of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence at a New Jersey business and outside a school in Chicago circulated, restaurants also found themselves in the spotlight. TODAY.com conversed with various restaurant owners and employees, including U.S. citizens and undocumented immigrants, who spoke under condition of anonymity due to concerns about being targeted, investigated, or arrested, as well as fears for their colleagues’ safety. One undocumented restaurant worker in New York City expressed feeling unsafe in public spaces post the crackdown on immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, a citizen restaurant owner in New York City recounted an employee switching to a rideshare service to avoid potential encounters with ICE agents at bus stops. In different U.S. cities, additional restaurant owners and a chef, all citizens, mentioned participating in group chats with neighboring food business owners to share information on ICE sightings. Carolyn Richmond, head of the hospitality group at Fox Rothschild and chief labor counsel of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, reported no ICE raids in NYC restaurants as of Feb. 14. However, reports of ICE activities persist in other cities, such as the recent arrest of the owners of a New Jersey restaurant and the detention of 12 employees at a different establishment. The detained owners, who legally immigrated from Turkey in 2008, have been awaiting a decision on their application for permanent residency since 2016. An ICE spokesperson confirmed that one remains in custody, while the other is under an Alternative to Detention program pending removal proceedings. Amid these developments, Richmond highlighted the evolving situation in NYC, emphasizing the importance of staying informed.
It has been a challenging few weeks filled with rumors and a game of telephone. Various rumors have circulated, from claims of ICE being downtown or in the neighborhood, to sightings of ICE agents in different locations. However, these rumors have mostly been unfounded, causing unnecessary anxiety among people.
Despite the uncertainty, there is reassurance that ICE is not likely to raid a restaurant during a busy service. Efforts have been made to educate business owners on how to ensure the safety of their employees. A recent webinar by the NYC Hospitality Alliance aimed to clarify the difference between an ICE raid and an audit, as well as review the I-9 process, with over 500 attendees participating.
Implementing protocols and educating staff on what to do in case of an ICE visit has helped ease tensions in some establishments. By providing information and support to employees, such as through “know your rights” campaigns, businesses are working to create a safe and legally compliant workplace. These initiatives aim to empower individuals with the knowledge of their rights and ensure they are protected in various situations involving ICE.
In the face of uncertainties, maintaining a sense of community and support for employees remains a top priority for many restaurant owners. By staying informed and offering resources, businesses strive to create a welcoming environment for their diverse workforce. The presence of “know your rights” campaigns serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rights of immigrants and ensuring their safety and well-being in the workplace.
There is definitely a sense of unease among some employees returning to work, with some expressing concerns about needing extra time off due to potential difficulties in readjusting. During an interview, the individual mentioned that they had not experienced any instances of employees not showing up or calling out. However, this has not been the case for everyone, as a restaurant owner in New York shared that two of his line cooks were reportedly stopped by ICE agents and subsequently ceased communication with the employer. The owner expressed uncertainty about the employees’ well-being, having not heard from them for several weeks. This situation highlights the challenges faced by undocumented workers and the impact it may have on the food industry and consumers. The owner emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of undocumented workers to the economy and criticized the demonization of this group. He warned that the repercussions of these events would soon be felt by all, leading to increased prices and disruptions in the industry. Undocumented workers, he argued, play a crucial role in the economy and deserve appreciation for their essential work, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
