ICE Conducts Raids at Emiliano’s Restaurants, Detaining 16 Workers
In a significant enforcement action, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained 16 individuals for being in the country illegally during raids at two Mexican restaurants in Pennsylvania on Thursday. The operations targeted Emiliano’s locations in Richland Township and Cranberry Township, with officials citing reliable information regarding the employment of undocumented workers at these establishments.
On-Site Observations
Local residents and advocates witnessed the rapid unfolding of events. Nidia Oliver, a friend to many workers at the Richland Township restaurant, arrived at the scene after hearing news of the raid. She described a chaotic atmosphere, where agents seemed to be looking through private areas of the restaurant.
“Somebody inside told me that they were trying to open safes and rummaging through office drawers, violating all that private property,” Oliver recounted.
Community Response
Witnesses reported that ICE agents executed search warrants at both locations. Volunteers from Casa San Jose, a nonprofit that supports Latino immigrants in the greater Pittsburgh area, arrived to provide assistance but faced significant barriers during the raids.
Erin Riley, a representative from the organization, said, “They put a lot of effort into blocking off the entryway so that we could not see exactly what was happening.”
Details of the Detainments
The community was still processing the news as details began to emerge. According to Casa San Jose, nine workers were detained in Richland Township, while seven were apprehended in Cranberry Township. The total number of individuals taken into custody points to the intensity of the operation.
Response from Emiliano’s Restaurants
Emiliano’s took to social media to express their dismay over the heavy-handed approach of federal agents, stating that the raid went beyond what they considered reasonable and humane. In their post, they detailed the aftermath of the operation:
- Federal agents allegedly left the restaurants in disarray.
- Food was reported as discarded and kitchen equipment damaged.
- Many workers were traumatized by the experiences.
The restaurant assured the community they stand by their team and are working with legal experts and community partners to support the impacted individuals. However, the timeline for reopening remains uncertain.
Impact on the Community
Oliver expressed her distress regarding the situation, emphasizing that these workers were simply trying to support themselves and their families. “It is terrible to see this happening in the United States, because all these people are honestly trying to make a living,” she said.
Ongoing Investigations
As the dust settles from the raids, ICE officials have indicated that the investigation is still ongoing. KDKA has reached out to ICE for comments regarding the damage reported by the restaurant but has yet to receive a response.
Summary of the Incident
| Location | Number of Detained Workers | Condition After Raid |
|---|---|---|
| Richland Township | 9 | Debris and chaos reported |
| Cranberry Township | 7 | Debris and chaos reported |
