Employees at several restaurants in the Twin Cities are feeling the pressure of a recent crackdown on immigration enforcement, leading to temporary closures. Notably, El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant in Maple Grove has been impacted significantly. Earlier this week, officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) visited the establishment, raising concerns among staff and patrons alike.
While supporters of El Rodeo assert that no arrests were made during the ICE visit, many employees are now too frightened to return to work. This heightened sense of fear has created substantial staffing shortages, forcing the restaurant to shut its doors temporarily. Frequent diner Ivette Chatman expressed her disappointment when she arrived for lunch only to find the restaurant closed. “This is my first time bringing my son over. We were stopping in for lunch, but I guess not,” she lamented. “It’s a great place. Sadly, with everything going on in Minneapolis, I kind of figured something immigration-related would happen.”
In response to the situation, El Rodeo's social media organizer reached out to the community for assistance. A post on the restaurant's Facebook page expressed gratitude for the public's support and requested help in filling shifts to facilitate a reopening. The call to action was met with an overwhelming response; within just 90 minutes, 75 volunteers signed up to help, many offering their time without expectation of payment. The outpouring of community spirit highlights the strong ties between the restaurant and its patrons.
Additionally, a GoFundMe page was established to aid El Rodeo financially, garnering an impressive $6,000 in merely three hours. The funds raised are intended to support employees by providing food and groceries during this challenging time. Carol Olson, an El Rodeo customer, expressed her sadness upon finding the restaurant closed while she intended to make a donation. “I hope and pray that they are back in business and doing what they need to do for their profession and livelihood and their honor,” she said, reflecting the sentiments of many loyal customers.
The situation at El Rodeo serves as a stark reminder of the impact that immigration policies can have on local businesses and their employees. As the community rallies to support the restaurant, it underscores a collective commitment to resilience in the face of adversity. The hope is that El Rodeo can navigate this difficult period and return to serving its beloved dishes to the people of Maple Grove.