Arizona Mexican Restaurant Faces Backlash for Supporting ICE With Free Meals

Sammy’s Mexican Grill, a restaurant in Arizona owned by immigrants, has recently been at the center of a controversy due to its policy of offering free meals to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Despite receiving a wave of hostile messages, phone calls, and negative online reviews, the restaurant’s owners, Jorge and Betty Rivas, have chosen to respond with positivity.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Jorge Rivas explained, “We’re trying to respond in a positive way, just because I know that putting more hate onto hate is not going to lead anywhere good.” The restaurant was spotlighted by Pulso in a social media video for its gesture towards federal immigration enforcement agents.

According to Rivas, the situation escalated after a local reporter inquired if their policy of providing complimentary meals to law enforcement extended to ICE agents. Rivas confirmed that it did, stating, “They are law enforcement agents working for the federal government, enforcing laws that have been on the books for many years.” He added that offering free meals is their way of expressing gratitude for the agents’ service and sacrifice.

“You know, there are agents that work for the federal government… They’re enforcing the laws that have been on the books for many years… And for us to offer free meals, it’s just our way of saying thank you…” – Jorge Rivas

Since the video gained attention, Sammy’s Mexican Grill has seen an influx of negative reviews. Many posts falsely accuse the restaurant of poor sanitation and causing illnesses. Despite these challenges, the Rivas staff maintain a polite demeanor, often responding to criticism with blessings and well-wishes.

Rivas pointed out that the practice of rewarding law enforcement with free meals is not a recent development but has been in place for over five years. “Officers have been coming to our restaurant and, 90% of the time, they don’t pay for it,” Rivas noted. “This is not something new that we just started.”

Jorge Rivas, who has been actively involved in Republican politics and an advocate of former President Donald Trump, emphasized that his offer to law enforcement agents is not politically motivated but rather a gesture of appreciation for their roles.

In recent months, tensions involving ICE have grown, particularly following incidents such as the shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis by an ICE agent. Reports indicate a steep rise in assaults and threats against ICE officers.

Rivas has a message for those protesting against federal agents—he encourages them to find constructive outlets for their energy. “They need to look for Jesus and for God for moral values and that will make them feel better,” he suggested.

This story has been followed and reported by Fox News Digital, with contributions from Alba Cuebas-Fantauzzi.