Panchos Tacos in Mount Vernon Targeted by ICE Raid

(MOUNT VERNON, OHIO) Federal immigration agents carried out an ICE raid at Panchos Tacos in Mount Vernon, Ohio, detaining workers during a midday operation that city officials say arrived without warning.

The action unfolded at about 12:30 p.m. on October 9, 2025, at Panchos Tacos, 110 Mt. Vernon Ave., and involved agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As of October 11, 2025, authorities have not disclosed how many people were taken into custody or what charges, if any, are being pursued. City leaders said they were not notified in advance about the timing, scope, or nature of the operation and are asking federal officials for more information.

The restaurant, which opened in 2024 and quickly built a loyal local customer base, is currently closed. Its phone line is disconnected, and apart from a brief Facebook post saying it would be closed for the day, the business has issued no public statement. Community members described confusion and concern as word spread about the ICE raid at Panchos Tacos, a familiar lunch stop steps from downtown.

Mount Vernon officials emphasized that they are committed to supporting residents while also upholding the rule of law. They stressed that due process applies to everyone, regardless of immigration status, and urged patience as federal agencies release details. Local police reported they did not participate in the action, underscoring that the operation was federal in scope.

City officials advised residents seeking updates to follow official city channels and local news outlets. Reporter Shahid Meighan is covering the story and can be reached at [email protected]. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, worksite enforcement operations often leave communities with more questions than answers in the first days, especially when the number of detentions is not disclosed.

City response and community impact

City leaders said they received no advance notice about the raid and are asking ICE for clarity on:

• The number of people detained
• The basis for detention
• The next steps in processing or charging

That lack of information has fueled fear among workers in nearby shops and uncertainty for families who depend on restaurant wages. Residents who stopped by after the raid found the doors locked and a hand-written sign noting closure.

The human impact is immediate:

• Employees may lose pay.
• Families may scramble to secure child care.
• Regular customers and neighbors are left unsure whether employees will be back at work next week.

For detained parents, routine gaps can form quickly—school pickups, rent payments, and medical appointments do not pause for court schedules.

Witnesses described a scene that was calm but tense, with several agents escorting workers out for processing. Without an official count, it is unclear how many households may face income loss or legal challenges. For many, the silence from federal officials feels heavy; for others, the message is that worksite checks can happen anywhere, even at a small taco shop with a steady lunch rush.

Local advocates and faith groups often step in after such operations, offering:

• Rides
• Translation help
• Contacts for immigration lawyers

Workers with lawful status may also seek guidance to confirm their documents are in order. Employers in similar situations typically consult counsel on I-9 compliance and next steps.

What happens after a worksite arrest

In many worksite actions, ICE interviews employees to confirm identity and immigration history. Outcomes vary:

1. Some people are released the same day, often with a notice to appear in immigration court.
2. Others may be held for further processing and potential removal proceedings.

Common forms and options:

• People may receive a Form I-862, Notice to Appear, which starts removal proceedings in immigration court. The official description and instructions are available at Form I-862, Notice to Appear.
  • Receiving this notice does not decide the case; it alerts the person to the first hearing date, where a judge explains rights and options.
• Those who face removal may be able to ask ICE for a temporary stop, known as a stay of removal. That request is filed on Form I-246, Application for a Stay of Deportation or Removal, available at Form I-246.
  • A stay is discretionary and does not grant legal status, but it can pause removal for a set period to address urgent factors.

Key practical advice for people affected:

• You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer before answering questions about immigration status.
• Keep copies of any papers you are given and note the dates—deadlines matter.
• Missing a hearing can lead to a removal order.
• Families should gather key documents: photo IDs, proof of address, and birth certificates for U.S. citizen children.
• Employers should review I-9 files with counsel and avoid unfair treatment of staff based on nationality or perceived status, which can bring federal anti-discrimination penalties.

Worksite enforcement is a long-standing part of federal immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸. While priorities shift across administrations, the core aim is to target unlawful employment and related document fraud. ICE’s overview of worksite operations, including compliance and auditing actions, is posted at ICE Worksite Enforcement.

• Officials say enforcement is meant to protect lawful workers and hold employers accountable.
• Critics argue that sudden raids harm families and local economies without fixing root causes of labor shortages.

Local picture and next steps

In Mount Vernon, the effects are concrete:

• A neighborhood restaurant is closed.
• Tables sit empty during the lunch hour.
• Regulars wait for clarity as the city presses federal officials for answers.

The number of detentions remains unknown, as do any charges. The raid raises familiar questions about due process, workplace checks, and the balance between enforcement and community stability.

For anyone touched by this operation, legal help can make a direct difference. Immigration law is complex and timelines move fast. Recommended steps:

• Speak with a qualified attorney or accredited representative.
• Avoid notary scams and unauthorized legal assistance.
• Connect with local churches, community centers, or worker groups for practical support (food assistance, rides to court, translation).

ICE has not released further details about the Panchos Tacos operation. City officials say they will share updates when available and encouraged residents to stay calm and avoid spreading rumors.

For now, the most reliable information is that a federal action took place on October 9, 2025, at about 12:30 p.m., at a small restaurant on Mt. Vernon Ave., and the community is waiting for the next official word.