ICE agents ate at Mexican restaurant in small town then returned hours later to arrest employees

ICE Agents Dined at a Small-Town Mexican Restaurant — Then Returned Hours Later to Arrest Employees

In a story that has captured national attention and sparked widespread debate, federal immigration officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) visited a family-owned Mexican restaurant in rural Minnesota for lunch — and then returned later that evening to detain some of the establishment’s employees. The unusual sequence of events has raised tough questions about immigration enforcement tactics, community trust, and the human toll of federal raids in small towns across the United States.

The incident took place on January 14, 2026, in Willmar, Minnesota, a city of just over 21,000 people located about 95 miles west of Minneapolis. According to local reports and eyewitness accounts, four ICE agents entered El Tapatio, a beloved local restaurant known for its traditional cuisine, at around 3 p.m. and sat down in a booth for lunch. Staff members reportedly felt uneasy during the visit, unsure whether the presence of federal agents was routine or indicative of something more ominous.

Hours later, after the restaurant had closed for the day, the same agents came back — this time to detain three individuals associated with the restaurant. Videos shared by bystanders show the arrests taking place near Willmar Middle School and a nearby church, with onlookers blowing whistles and shouting at ICE officers. Some witnesses reported that the agents appeared to follow the employees as they left the restaurant before carrying out the detentions.

The timeline — lunch in the afternoon followed by detentions that evening — has struck many observers as unsettling. Critics say that the episode reflects how federal immigration enforcement can chill not only workplaces but entire communities, making people fearful of everyday activities like eating out or going to work.

What Happened: The Sequence of Events

Here’s a clearer breakdown of what is reported to have occurred:

Early Afternoon: Four ICE agents arrive at El Tapatio and eat lunch like any other customers. Witnesses say several staff members appeared visibly nervous during the meal, unsure if this visit was connected to immigration enforcement activity.

Evening — After Closing: Around 8:30 p.m., ICE officers return to the area. According to eyewitnesses, they follow employees as they depart the restaurant and then detain three individuals — described as a restaurant owner and workers — near public landmarks. Bystanders can be heard protesting, blowing whistles, and calling out to the agents during the arrests.

Arrests and Aftermath: The identities and immigration statuses of those detained have not been fully disclosed publicly. Local news reports indicate that those detained were taken into federal custody, though the specific charges or immigration cases involved have not been detailed.

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