Key Takeaways
• On May 6, 2025, ICE conducted surprise inspections at several well-known Washington, D.C. restaurants, alarming workers and owners.
• ICE agents demanded I-9 employment forms and presented legal documents authorizing them to inspect records for workforce eligibility.
• Advocacy groups and unions urged workers to know their rights, stressing legal advice and refusing to sign documents without review.
Federal immigration agents have launched a large operation at restaurants in Washington, D.C. 🇺🇸, sparking widespread worry throughout the city. On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) teams visited several well-known restaurants, including Millie’s in Spring Valley, Pupatella in Dupont Circle, Chef Geoff’s in Northwest, Chang Chang downtown, Ghostburger in Shaw, and Al Dente. These unexpected visits signal one of the most direct enforcement actions under President Trump’s current administration. The move has stirred deep concern among restaurant owners, staff, and a large number of immigrant workers who are essential to the city’s food industry.
What Happened During the ICE Operation
ICE agents arrived at these D.C. restaurants often in large groups. At Millie’s, for instance, eight or nine agents entered through every public entrance just as the restaurant was opening for lunch. Some agents wore plain clothes while others wore uniforms and carried guns, creating a tense scene for staff and anyone nearby. The agents carried legal documents known as “notices of inspection.” These documents give ICE the authority to check employment records and ask for forms confirming that each employee can legally work in the United States 🇺🇸.
These forms, called I-9 forms, are kept by most restaurants to show who is allowed to work there. At Millie’s, managers told ICE that these forms were at their company’s main office, not at the restaurant. ICE agents agreed to return on Monday to collect the paperwork. This left employees on edge and worried about what would happen next.
At the other restaurants, managers and employees described similar visits. Agents asked detailed questions and wanted to speak to staff. However, some managers refused to allow direct questioning without lawyers present. Immigrant staff were especially concerned about their safety and their families’ well-being after these events.
How the Immigrant Community Is Reacting
The restaurant industry in Washington, D.C. 🇺🇸 has quietly expected this kind of enforcement for months. Since President Trump took office again, rumors have spread about ICE targeting busy or popular restaurants. These rumors caused stress among workers, even when not every report turned out to be true. But with these recent visits, the fear became real.
Advocacy organizations have stepped up to help workers and their families. The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) and CASA, two groups supporting immigrant rights, began hearing about increased risks for food business workers just days before the Tuesday operations. Many restaurant workers come from immigrant backgrounds. Some may not have the right documents, while others worry about their family members.
Abel Nunez, who leads CARECEN, offered loud warnings. He said workers should “prepare” and have backup plans in case they’re caught up in one of these operations. He stressed that knowing what to do is the best way to stay safe during ICE visits.
Union leaders agree. UNITE HERE Local 25, which represents thousands of restaurant and food service workers, has circulated information about everyone’s basic rights. They remind people that, no matter their citizenship status, they can:
– Remain silent if questioned by officers.
– Ask for a lawyer before answering any questions if they are detained.
– Refuse to sign papers they don’t understand or haven’t seen reviewed by a lawyer.
George Escobar, another leader from CASA, said, “knowing your rights can be the difference between life and death sometimes.” He also reminded restaurant owners that ICE can’t search areas of the business that are not open to the public unless they have a court order or a special type of warrant.
Why This Is Happening Now
These ICE visits come as part of President Trump’s efforts to keep his campaign promises on immigration enforcement. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this new wave of action fits into a wider push for strict immigration policy. Just a couple of months before the restaurant inspections, the Trump administration sent more than 230 men back to El Salvador 🇸🇻, showing that enforcement is at the top of the government’s plans.
Restaurants in Washington, D.C. 🇺🇸 are feeling anxious because these spaces depend heavily on immigrant workers. From dishwashers and cooks to servers and managers, immigrants are the backbone of the city’s busy food scene. The threat of ICE operations makes many worry not just about losing staff but also about workers’ lives, paychecks, and future security.
The Broader Picture: Restaurants, Workers, and Risk
The recent focus on D.C. restaurants by ICE puts a spotlight on a long-standing issue: much of the United States 🇺🇸 restaurant industry depends on immigrant labor. According to industry groups and news sources, about one in every four restaurant workers nationwide is an immigrant. In Washington, D.C. 🇺🇸, that number is likely even higher, especially in fast-paced kitchens and busy dining rooms.
When ICE arrives at a restaurant, the impact ripples far beyond the workers who are interviewed or asked for paperwork. Other staff members get scared, business owners face real legal risks, and even customers take notice. Some people may stop going out to eat if they’re worried about being caught in the chaos of a raid or supporting a business that could lose safe staffing.
For owners and general managers, keeping I-9 forms up to date and stored correctly is more important than ever. Missing paperwork or failing to follow the rules can result in fines or even more serious legal actions. ICE can check these forms during visits and issue warnings for first-time mistakes. But repeated problems can cost businesses a lot of money and may even force them to shut down.
Keeping Workers and Businesses Safe
Advocacy groups help restaurants prepare for ICE visits by running training sessions. Workers learn:
– How to handle questions from agents.
– Who to call if a raid happens.
– What they should or shouldn’t say to protect themselves.
– The importance of not signing any papers unless a lawyer is present.
This training is more important since many immigrants might not know all their rights. For example, ICE officers can walk into any area of a restaurant open to the public, but can only go into kitchens, offices, or storage rooms if the owner lets them or if they have an official warrant.
Union representatives have also told restaurant workers to keep close watch on notices and messages from their bosses about any possible ICE activity. Sometimes, word spreads quickly and workers need a way to check if rumors are true before taking drastic steps.
D.C. Police and City Response
After the ICE operations, the police department in Washington, D.C. 🇺🇸 quickly told the public they would not take part in any kind of immigration enforcement. City leaders have made it clear that, while federal agents may move ahead with their plans, the D.C. police will focus on keeping everyone safe, regardless of immigration status.
ICE and the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to reporters’ requests for comment. This silence left many in the city guessing about how long these operations would last and whether larger sweeps were coming.
The Immediate and Long-Term Effects
In the short term, restaurant owners worry about losing valuable employees and the possible loss of income if customers are scared away. For workers, the sense of stability has been shaken. Some may skip work or feel forced to leave their jobs, whether they have documents or not. The wider atmosphere of fear can also affect workers’ families, who may be frightened about unexpected separations.
In the long run, these actions may change how restaurants in Washington, D.C. 🇺🇸—and even in other cities—hire, train, and support workers. Some businesses might rethink who they hire or how they keep records. Others may look for ways to make sure their employees know their legal rights and have plans in place for possible visits from ICE.
There is also worry that immigrant communities may become more isolated from public life. If they stop going out, avoid certain places, or lose steady work, it becomes harder for them to feel safe and supported in the city. Restaurant employees are a huge part of D.C.’s economy and culture. Any threat to their security can ripple out to affect the larger community, the local economy, and even customers who enjoy global foods and diverse restaurant experiences in the city.
Differing Viewpoints and Public Debate
Public debate over these ICE operations is divided. Some argue that enforcing immigration laws is necessary to protect jobs and follow the law. Others say that targeting restaurants unfairly punishes people who work hard, pay taxes, and make cities like Washington, D.C. 🇺🇸 vibrant places.
Restaurant owners, staff, and patrons alike are questioning what comes next. Should more cities pass sanctuary laws to protect immigrants? Or should businesses do more to make sure all of their records are in good shape and their workers are legally documented? These are ongoing conversations that impact a range of groups in and outside of the city.
Practical Steps: What Owners and Workers Should Do
For restaurant owners, it’s wise to keep paperwork organized and train managers on basic legal rights. This includes knowing how to handle I-9 forms and keeping them in a safe place. Owners should give staff clear information about what to do if ICE visits again.
For workers, knowing your rights is more important than ever. It’s also a good idea to keep contact information for a trusted attorney and local immigrant support groups close at hand.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers helpful information about required employment forms like the I-9, which you can find on their official I-9 page.
Final Thoughts
The recent ICE actions at Washington, D.C. 🇺🇸 restaurants show just how closely the food industry and immigration policy are tied. The people serving food, managing kitchens, and washing dishes keep the city running. Many of them, their families, and their employers are deeply worried about what comes next.
As the Trump administration pushes forward with stricter immigration enforcement, the response from the D.C. community and the restaurant industry shows the huge impact these actions have—not just on individuals, but on the city’s daily life. For now, owners, workers, and community groups aim to protect each other, keep businesses running, and ensure everyone knows their rights in uncertain times.
Following advice from trusted local groups and understanding your rights can help you stay safe. As this situation develops, groups like VisaVerge.com will continue covering the story with care and attention. For all involved, staying alert and informed is the best step to handle the challenges that lie ahead.
Learn Today
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) → U.S. federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and conducting workplace inspections and deportations.
I-9 Form → A mandatory employment form verifying an employee’s eligibility to work legally in the United States, required for all hires.
Notice of Inspection → A legal document issued by ICE that authorizes agents to review employer records regarding worker eligibility.
Sanctuary Laws → Local regulations limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, aiming to protect undocumented immigrants from detention.
Warrant → A legal authorization required for law enforcement to search non-public areas or seize property in a business or private location.
This Article in a Nutshell
A high-profile ICE operation at multiple D.C. restaurants on May 6, 2025, alarmed immigrant workers and owners. Agents demanded I-9 forms and questioned staff. Community groups, unions, and lawyers advised workers about their rights, underscoring the importance of preparation and legal protection during immigration enforcement within the food industry.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• US Army Halts Helicopter Flights Over Washington D.C.
• Trump’s Mass Deportation Plan Ignites Washington Fury
• Trump’s Immigration Policies Split Washington Farmers
• Immigration Officials Arrest Dozens in Raid on Washington Roofing Firm
• Washington Schools Advise International Students on Travel Challenges
