Press Article: El Control Mexican Restaurant Closed Following ICE Raid
Harlingen, TX – El Control Mexican Restaurant, a beloved local dining spot in Harlingen, has closed its doors after a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid that left the community in shock. The raid took place on Tuesday, prompting the restaurant to donate its food in a poignant farewell to its patrons.
Sheyla Gómez, the owner’s daughter, recounted the distressing incident, stating that ICE agents directly approached the kitchen, demanding Social Security numbers and work permits from the staff. In the aftermath, several family members—her mother, stepfather, and older sister—were taken into custody alongside two other workers, leaving Sheyla to manage the restaurant and care for her younger siblings.
While local support has poured in, Sheyla expressed deep concern about the future. “It’s something I see as difficult for my family to be together again. It’s something that might not happen,” she shared in Spanish. She emphasized the challenges they now face in finding legal workers to sustain the business.
The closure of El Control has raised broader questions about immigration enforcement’s impact on small businesses and their workforce. Sheyla believes the raid targeted individuals who contribute positively to the community, stating, “They’re taking the wrong people, people who are doing something for this country.”
As the community rallies around the Gómez family, many are left wondering how such enforcement actions will continue to affect local businesses and the families that depend on them. The future remains uncertain for El Control, but the resilience of the community stands firm as they navigate this challenging time.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
