A Japanese restaurant on the Northwest Side said on social media that three of its workers were arrested by U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents Wednesday morning.
Hiro Ramen & Tea, 4800 Sawmill Road, released a statement Thursday morning saying ICE agents approached employees in the restaurant’s parking lot.
The restaurant clarified that while the parking lot is its property, it is considered a public area, which allowed ICE agents to question and detain employees without a warrant.
“They were not inside the shop,” the statement read, “and we certainly did not open the doors for ICE.”
The statement released also refuted rumors spread online that the restaurant called ICE on their own employees.
“These are hardworking people who have spent the past years working side by side creating Hiro with day in and day out and we would have absolutely no reason, nor any desire, to call ICE on them or another person, ever,” the statement said.
The restaurant also expressed fear over the arrests, referencing increased ICE arrests and raids nationwide, describing them as “a reality that has hit too close to home.”
In a brief statement to WOSU, Hiro Ramen & Tea wrote, “Our entire staff at Hiro wants to thank everyone for the outpouring of kindness and support as a result of what transpired yesterday morning.”
ICE has not responded to requests for comment.
