Chicago Coffee Shop Owner Makes A Safe Community Space After Monstrous ICE Behavior Directly Impacts His Business – CoffeeTalk

Jesse Iñiguez, the owner of Back of the Yards Coffee in Chicago, has found himself at the forefront of the controversies surrounding the Trump administration’s Operation Midway Blitz, which involves aggressive U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in his predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. Iñiguez described the frustration of being thrust into this situation, citing personal experiences that highlight the tensions between federal agents and the community. In a dramatic incident, one of his baristas recorded a video of ICE officers tackling a man outside the coffee shop, just before the community was engaged in a cultural event featuring sugar skulls. The juxtaposition of joyful community activities against invasive federal actions starkly illustrates the chaotic atmosphere.

Iñiguez revealed that previous encounters with ICE have directly impacted his business and community members, including a U.S. citizen who sought refuge in the cafe while being pursued by agents. To address the ongoing fear and trauma within the locality, he has trained his staff on handling similar confrontations and established coping mechanisms for them, noting the emotional strain they endure as they witness these aggressive encounters.

The coffee shop owner openly rejects ICE’s presence by utilizing Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s “ICE Free Zone” executive order, which allows businesses to declare themselves off-limits to ICE agents. He has prominently displayed signs to that effect and enacted policies against faceless patrons entering the shop, fearing undercover agents. Iñiguez emphasizes the responsibility to protect his community, even if it means temporarily closing his business.

Amid fears of retaliation, many local business owners remain silent regarding ICE’s actions, as Iñiguez’s own mother expressed concerns for her safety due to her appearance and limited English proficiency. The psychological impact of these federal actions, especially on families and children, is profound, fostering a climate of anxiety and insecurity. Iñiguez argues that these aggressive immigration policies serve only to villainize Latino communities while disrupting their contributions to society. He reiterates the contradiction of the administration’s claims of enhancing safety, asserting that his coffee shop serves as a genuine sanctuary for the community amidst a backdrop of intimidation and chaos perpetrated by ICE.

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