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A local family restaurant in Latham, New York, was the target of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid on Wednesday (May 21). According to the Capital Region Sanctuary Coalition, at least three ICE agents in unmarked vehicles entered the restaurant on Troy-Schenectady Road before it opened, detaining three kitchen staff members.
Advocates believe the raid was a targeted operation, as it occurred before the restaurant began its daily operations. The Capital Region Sanctuary Coalition is urging community members to share information about the raid and to educate themselves about their rights in such situations.
The incident in Latham is part of a broader pattern of ICE raids on businesses across the country. According to The Intercept, similar raids have been reported in states like Texas, Tennessee, Kansas, and Florida. These actions are in line with the administration’s promise to increase immigration enforcement nationwide.
Business owners are advised to ensure that their employees' paperwork, such as I-9 forms, is in order and to seek legal advice if needed. The American Business Immigration Coalition and Passage Immigration Law recommend having a plan in place to handle ICE visits and understanding the rights of employees, including those who may be undocumented.