An Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid on two restaurants in the locally owned and operated Mexican chain, Emiliano’s, left unprecedented damage and destruction in its wake.
ICE took 16 of our Pittsburgh neighbors into custody from the restaurants in Richland Township and Cranberry Township. Our neighbors. People who were working hard in a difficult industry, contributing to our regional economy, and making sure we had access to good food.
Various reports say that the restaurant was trashed by federal agents – food destroyed, equipment damaged, reports of attempts to break-in to the safe, and video footage of agents carrying boxes of food out to their vehicles. Was it evidence of criminal conduct or simply easy pickings for brutal Nazis who hate the employees, love the food?
Public Source reports that late on June 17, ICE officers surrounded the Gibsonia restaurant, though workers barricaded themselves inside and police left the area after TV crews appeared on the scene.
Here’s what I’m thinking
Why did they only raid these two locations? Why not South Side and Bethel Park? The South Side location would probably draw TV coverage very quickly and the layout would not be conducive to the violence of this raid. Bethel Park – I’ve not been to that store. Would Pgh Police support ICE? What are your thoughts?
Public Source reports At least two officers from the Northern Regional Police Department were also on site “doing traffic control” and “making sure people remain safe,” Officer James Ashbaucher said while manning the entrance to the restaurant.
I don’t think ‘making sure people remain safe’ means what you think it means, Officer Ashbaucher. This department serves Pine, Marshall Township, Bradford Woods, Richland Township, and Seven Fields. I’d suggest you call to inquire why they support kidnapping and ‘vandalism’ aka property damage by other law enforcement. 724-625-3157 And then contact the municipalities. Put pressure on local officials to stop cooperating with these raids.
Emiliano’s released a statement and video of the damage.
At Emiliano’s, we’ve always been more than a restaurant. We’re a family — and like many restaurants in this country, we are built on the backs of immigrants. We will not apologize for that. What you saw on the news doesn’t tell the full story.
On Thursday, federal agents stormed our restaurants in a show of force that went far beyond anything reasonable or humane. They didn’t just detain people — they raided the heart of our business, tore through our spaces, and left behind a trail of fear, confusion, and destruction.
A lot has happened. It’s safe to say our restaurant was trashed, and lives were shattered.
But what they can’t destroy is who we are.
We are raising $100,000 to cover the $3,000 bond hearing per person (roughly), and their salaries for this month which equates to $50,000 for all 16 of our employees that were detained.
We stand by our team. We are working with legal experts and community partners to support the people impacted. And we will not stay silent while fear and intimidation tear through our community.
With your help we will reopen. We will rebuild. And we will keep feeding this city with love, dignity, and purpose.
If you’d like to support the affected families and contribute to our recovery, please donate to our GoFundMe and share with family and friends.
Thank you for standing with us.
— The Emiliano’s Family
A GoFundMe established to support the detained employees and rebuild the restaurant has received more than $68,000 toward the goal of $100,000.
Casa San Jose and other advocacy groups are involved.
Here’s the video released by Emiliano’s on Instagram.
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