Three workers at El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant in Willmar, Minnesota, found themselves in a troubling situation after serving lunch to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on January 15, 2026. Shortly after the agents dined at the establishment, the workers were detained by the same federal agents, raising concerns within the local community.
The incident prompted the restaurant to close its doors early once the owners learned of the ICE presence. The establishment has remained closed since that day. However, the owners’ son indicated plans to reopen for customers shortly thereafter.
In a statement to Willmar Radio, Willmar Mayor Doug Reese addressed the situation, emphasizing that “ICE is a federal agency carrying out federal responsibilities.” He also called for respect for “peaceful, lawful protest,” reflecting the heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the area.
According to a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the primary target of the detentions was identified as Jose Rosario Gomez. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed in a statement to the Daily Caller that officers conducted a vehicle stop later that day, apprehending Gomez along with two additional individuals, one of whom had a final order of removal from an immigration judge.
Escalating Tensions in the Community
The same day, ICE agents faced backlash in another location. They were verbally confronted and forced to leave a Mexican restaurant in St. Paul, Minnesota, after diners shouted expletives at them, demanding their departure. This incident highlighted the growing unrest surrounding ICE operations in the state.
Residents of Willmar have reported an increase in police activity since the detentions, with some businesses opting to close temporarily. Although streets appeared “normal” the day following the incident, the local atmosphere remains tense, reflecting the broader context of immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
Willmar is situated approximately two hours west of Minneapolis, where anti-ICE protests have persisted for two weeks. These demonstrations escalated following the fatal shooting of a protester who attempted to run over agents with her vehicle.
In a separate incident on the same day, federal law enforcement officers encountered violence when they attempted to arrest an illegal Venezuelan national who ambushed them, resulting in a shooting.
The recent events underscore the complexities and challenges surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States, as communities grapple with the implications of federal actions on local residents and businesses. As the situation continues to develop, local leaders are urging dialogue and understanding amid rising tensions.
