A restaurant owner in southern Arizona is drawing national attention after announcing that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and other federal law enforcement officers will receive free meals at his business.
Jorge Rivas, the owner of Sammy’s Mexican Grill in Catalina, Arizona, said he is offering the meals as a gesture of respect and support for law enforcement.
Rivas, a Salvadoran immigrant who came to the United States legally, said his decision is rooted in his belief in the rule of law and appreciation for those tasked with enforcing it.
The announcement gained widespread attention after Rivas made the offer during an interview that was later translated into English and circulated on social media.
The video quickly went viral, prompting reactions from across the political spectrum.
“Everyone who works for ICE, all federal agents can come to Sammy’s Mexican Grill,” Rivas said.
“Here they will be treated with respect and as they deserve.”
Rivas emphasized that his support extends to all federal law enforcement officers, not only ICE agents.
He said his background as a legal immigrant shaped his perspective and motivated him to publicly support immigration enforcement.
“I know firsthand what it means to come here the right way,” Rivas said.
The public response to Rivas’ announcement has been mixed.
Some critics on social media called for a boycott of the restaurant following the video’s circulation.
Rivas addressed the backlash by accusing his critics of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” a phrase he used to describe what he sees as emotionally driven opposition to immigration enforcement and federal law enforcement more broadly.
At the same time, the restaurant has received support from customers who say they plan to visit Sammy’s Mexican Grill specifically because of Rivas’ stance.
Supporters have shared the restaurant’s information online and encouraged others to patronize the business.
Rivas discussed the issue further during a recent appearance on “The Ray Stevens Show,” where he explained his reasoning in more detail.
During the podcast, he reiterated that his support for ICE is tied to his personal experience immigrating to the United States legally and his belief that laws should be enforced consistently.
He said he wanted to publicly thank agents and officers who often face criticism while performing their duties.
Rivas described the free meals as a small but meaningful way to show appreciation.
The reaction to Rivas’ announcement reflects ongoing national debate surrounding immigration enforcement and the role of ICE. In recent years, ICE agents have increasingly become the focus of public protests, political rhetoric, and online activism.
Businesses and individuals who publicly support the agency often face backlash, while others praise such gestures as expressions of support for law enforcement.
Sammy’s Mexican Grill, located in Catalina, serves traditional Mexican cuisine and has operated as a local business prior to the controversy.
Since the video went viral, the restaurant has seen an increase in public attention, both positive and negative, according to individuals familiar with the situation.
Rivas has not indicated that he plans to reverse his decision in response to criticism.
Instead, he has continued to emphasize respect for law enforcement and adherence to the law as central to his values.