ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Several Rochester restaurants closed or changed their operations Monday following recent ICE presence in the city.
Gilberto’s Mexican Taco Shop operated only through its drive thru due to staffing shortages and decreased sales. A sign on another restaurant’s door indicated closure due to ICE agents in Rochester.
Some restaurant owners reported more than half of their employees called out for work amid fear of immigration enforcement.
“It’s a hard decision. Do you open and hope that there’s community that are able to come out and support the businesses or do you close to help protect your neighbors and your community?” customer Ella Mitchell said.
Business owners weigh difficult decisions
Tortilleria La Mayzteca owner Wilber De La Rosa has shut down his storefront through Wednesday.
“This is like the COVID but not with the government support,” De La Rosa said. “If you go around and you go see all the food trucks are closed, all the Latino restaurants are closed today.”
Despite closing for regular service, De La Rosa said his restaurant will deliver hundreds of meals over the next three days at no cost. Community donations are helping fund the free meal deliveries to homes.
The closures also affected customers seeking their usual dining spots. Stephen Gonzalez went to Corona’s Tacos to pick up his hospitalized father’s favorite meal, only to find the restaurant closed.
“You know, he doesn’t really eat much besides tacos. Small things like this, big things like this, it affects pretty much everyone,” Gonzalez said.
Restaurant owners said they hope to reopen in some capacity as soon as possible but remain uncertain about timing.
Other confirmed closures on Monday include Purple Goat, Corona’s Tacos, and Cafe Fiesta.
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Dining and Cooking