‘ICE Rumors are False’: Local Mexican restaurant speaks out after circulating online video
Los Guachos Taqueria wants to set the record straight after an online video sparked rumors linking the Columbus taqueria to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
614NOW uncovered a Facebook reel which appears to be the video in question. In it, a woman says the manager at the Sawmill Road restaurant told her they are “not against” serving ICE agents, therefore the woman claims Los Guachos is unsafe to visit.
The restaurant staff quickly took to Facebook, calling the claims false and warning that the video is spreading fear and misinformation, particularly within the immigrant community.
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“We are not serving ICE, nor do we ever,” the Facebook post reads. “The most important thing is our community and we care about the safety of everyone. Let’s look out for each other.”
Los Guachos staff said it wanted to calm online chatter and reassure customers and staff that the claims being shared are untrue.
Los Guachos operates several Central Ohio locations, including spots on Sawmill Road, Godown Road and South Hamilton Road in Columbus. It also operates a location on Cherry Bottom Road in Gahanna.
Over the past two weeks, federal officials acknowledged that ICE has made targeted arrests in Central Ohio. In a recent statement, ICE said the arrests were part of its ongoing efforts to enforce federal immigration laws and uphold public safety. But authorities have not indicated any involvement with local restaurants.
After Los Guachos said it wouldn’t serve ICE, other businesses in the Columbus area made similar statements online. In a Facebook post, The Walrus in Downtown Columbus shared a photo with the words: “NO ICE ACCESS IN THIS BUSINESS. PRIVATE PROPERTY. ENTRY RESTRICTED BY LAW.” In an Instagram post, La Plaza Tapatia – an international supermarket on Georgesville Road – announced it is now offering grocery delivery in order to protect customers who might be vulnerable. And South Drive-In offered to provide holiday meals to people afraid to leave their homes “due to ICE.”
City leaders, including Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, have emphasized that Columbus does not assist with federal immigration enforcement beyond what is required by law. City officials have also urged residents to rely on verified information and not amplify rumors that could cause unnecessary concern.
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