ICE raids DC restaurants, conducts I-9 audits

DC restaurants are on edge amid escalating reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are targeting local eateries, demanding to see employment eligibility forms, according to *Axios.* On Tuesday, officers visited at least nine establishments—including Pupatella in Dupont Circle, Chef Geoff’s near AU Park, Ghostburger in Shaw and Millie’s in Spring Valley—per NBC4.

These inspections follow long-running threats by the Trump administration to crack down on undocumented workers, and ICE told FOX 5 DC that agents conducted “workplace inspections” at roughly one hundred restaurants across the District this week Nationally, restaurants have been preparing for immigration crackdowns since before the administration’s first term, conducting staff training on I-9 rights and holding periodic compliance drills.

Mayor Muriel Bowser called the reports “disturbing” and stressed that the Metropolitan Police Department had no role in the visits, ABC News reports.

At Millie’s, owner Bo Blair recounted that eight agents—some armed, some in plainclothes—entered through all public entrances just as lunch service began, presented a “notice of inspection” and said they would return Monday for I-9 forms held off-site. No detainments occurred, but two employees were reportedly so rattled they left midshift, Blair said. “It’s a whole new level of harassment to our hardworking, law-abiding employees,” he said, noting Millie’s had preaudited records and briefed staff on their rights.

Local pizza chain Pupatella referred agents to its corporate office after workers asked for a warrant; the agents departed without entering any dining room, Eater reports.

Shawn Townsend, head of Washington’s Restaurant Association, said many operators ran “fire drills” based on rumors before the raids and were better prepared for inspections than in 2017. The association continues collaborating with legal experts and immigrant support groups to minimize disruption and uphold civil rights during audits.

Advocacy organizations such as the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network have ramped up an ICE emergency hotline to offer legal referrals and resources to impacted workers and businesses, volunteers. The Washington Post reports at least seven restaurants confirmed visits and that workers were left rattled by agents’ presence, underscoring a broader sense of fear across the sector.

It remains unclear why specific restaurants were selected for inspection, and ICE has not publicly commented. Restaurateurs brace for potential follow-up visits and urge colleagues to verify any notices and seek guidance to ensure compliance while safeguarding worker rights.