Donald Trump’s deportation agenda for immigrants and American citizens alike has hit the nation’s capital and stoked fear throughout the District.
Reports of immigration enforcement across Washington, D.C., have spread rapidly through social media and immigrant advocacy groups, prompting alarm in schools, restaurants, and neighborhoods.
“I have heard those reports. I’ve been getting them all morning. I am disturbed by them,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. “It appears that ICE is at restaurants or even in neighborhoods, and it doesn’t look like they’re targeting criminals.”
She also assured that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is not involved.
The mayor’s comments came as concerns intensified over a wave of ICE activity throughout the city. Advocacy groups said enforcement appears to be targeting restaurants and food delivery workers—particularly Venezuelan migrants.
“Only 10% came out,” said a Venezuelan food courier who declined to be identified. “Where are the rest of them? The Uber Eats application has been ringing nonstop. We need help. We need support. We are all not bad people.”
In the Columbia Heights neighborhood, a restaurant owner reported that six employees called in sick, and one resigned out of fear of a raid. Teachers who feared ICE agents might be monitoring public transit escorted high school students to Metro stations. Parents and neighbors stood watch outside a Northwest D.C. elementary school for hours after hearing agents may be nearby.
“We kind of decided a couple of us to come out and support—to observe, watch, maybe give people ‘know-your-rights’ cards and be there and witness whatever awful thing may happen or prevent it if we could,” said Imani Cruz, a local volunteer.
Surveillance footage confirmed that federal agents visited Millie’s, a popular restaurant in the Spring Valley neighborhood.
“It’s really crazy, you know it kind of feels like we’re not in the U.S.,” said Bo Blair, the restaurant’s owner. “That was just shocking to everybody today.”
Blair said the agents identified themselves as ICE and Homeland Security and requested to speak with employees and review I-9 employment forms. The manager told them those records are kept off-site. Agents then left a document demanding the records be turned over by May 12. Two employees were reportedly so rattled they left the premises.
“I think it’s pretty absurd,” Blair said. “Immigrants are the backbone of not only the restaurant industry but a lot of other industries in this country. Without immigrants, there are no restaurants.”
According to sources, other restaurants targeted by ICE included Chef Geoff’s near Spring Valley; Officina and Mi Vida at The Wharf; Jaleo in Chinatown; Santa Rosa Taqueria on Capitol Hill; Pupatella in Dupont Circle; Call Your Mother on Georgia Avenue; and Clyde’s of Georgetown. Some business owners received formal notices for I-9 inspections. Others said agents warned they would return within days.
Blair noted that Millie’s had been preparing for months by informing employees of their rights, but the raid still left many afraid to return to work.
“We have COVID, which was like the worst thing ever,” Blair said. “Now we’re under threat from ICE and Homeland Security. I mean it’s just like that inflation, it just keeps going and going, and the restaurant industry is not easy.”
NBC Washington reported that agents will return Monday to examine employment authorization records.
In response, immigrant rights groups, including CASA, the National Immigration Law Center, Faith in Action, African Communities Together, CARECEN, and Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid, have mobilized to support impacted families and workers. Their efforts include legal aid, mutual aid tools, and childcare support in case of detention.
“These raids disproportionately target immigrant communities, relying on racial profiling and intimidation rather than justice or due process,” said Abel Nuñez, executive director of CARECEN. “Instead of tearing families apart and destabilizing our workforce, we should be working toward an immigration system that strengthens the U.S., recognizing that immigrants—regardless of status—are an undeniable asset to our country.”
