Immigration raids are expanding to target restaurants and small businesses, raising concerns among business owners and local communities. Raids have been reported not only in Washington DC and New Jersey but also in Los Angeles and other West Coast areas.
According to a recent report by FOX News, around 10 agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raided Chef Geoff’s, a restaurant in Washington DC, on May 7. The agents inspected employees’ I-9 forms, which verify workers’ legal employment status. ICE agents also stormed Millie’s, another well-known local restaurant, on the same day.
In total, raids were carried out at eight restaurants in the Washington DC area on that day, according to reports.
DHS Confirms Broader Nationwide Inspections
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson explained that ICE and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division are focusing on verifying whether businesses across the country are maintaining proper I-9 form records. The spokesperson also noted that over 100 businesses in the Washington DC area have already received notice of inspection.
The I-9 form is a document that employers must complete when hiring staff to confirm that the employee is authorized to work in the United States.
ICE stated that employers typically receive notice at least three days in advance of an inspection. During this window, ICE and DHS agents, along with Department of Labor officials, are authorized to inspect the I-9 forms.
Similar Raids Reported in New Jersey and LA
In February, ICE also targeted restaurants in the New Jersey area as part of similar operations.
ICE raids have reportedly increased in frequency in Southern California, including Los Angeles. ICE has been regularly posting results of these operations on its social media channels. For example, on April 18, ICE announced that it had detained multiple individuals, including Baek Seung-Hoon (39), an undocumented immigrant wanted by the South Korean government for aggravated offenses related to controlled substances.
Korean American Business Owners Voice Concern
A source from the Korean American restaurant industry expressed concern, saying, “We’ve heard reports of ICE raiding businesses in areas outside of LA. Eventually, businesses in LA will also become targets.”
Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser criticized the raids, stating, “These operations do not target criminals but rather intimidate local businesses and residents.”
Korean American business owners in the Washington area have also voiced anxiety, seeking ways to avoid becoming targets of future immigration enforcement.
DHS: Raids Will Continue
Meanwhile, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that “voluntary departure is the safest and most cost-effective option for undocumented immigrants,” adding that enforcement operations will continue without pause.
BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]
