In early May 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) allegedly conducted enforcement actions targeting food service businesses in Washington, D.C., prompting concern from local officials, community advocates, and industry leaders. Advocacy groups, including CASA, reported receiving credible and detailed warnings about the planned operations, which were said to focus on restaurants and delivery workers.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed receiving multiple reports of ICE activity, describing it as “disturbing” and clarifying that local police were not involved. George Escobar of CASA noted that the tip included specific details about tactics ICE might use, including referencing an executive order related to the city's "beautification" as a potential justification.
Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid and other organizations warned that targeting immigrants in food service could severely disrupt the local economy. The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), representing over 60,000 workers, expressed deep concern, highlighting the essential role of immigrants at all levels of the restaurant industry and warning of potential economic harm from workforce disruptions.
Reference:
Peterson, Beatrice. “ICE reportedly targeting businesses and restaurants in DC” ABC News. May 6, 2025.
