A Southeast side community remains in shock after five people were detained at a popular pizzeria by agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The four men and one woman were detained Monday morning at Route 66 Pizza on Indianapolis Avenue. A member of Centro de Trabajadores Unidos: United Workers' Center was inside the restaurant at the same time ICE agents requested the employees' citizenship papers. The next few hours were spent contacting family members and organizing next moves. Witnesses say the agents took more than half of the restaurant’s employees. Just a couple of months ago, United Workers' Center went around the neighborhood to inform residents of their rights. Many were surprised to know ICE agents landed here. ICE spokesperson Nicole Alberico says ICE does not conduct raids or sweeps. Instead, she said what happened here was targeted enforcement. Mayor Lori Lightfoot tweeted after she got wind of the incident. She said, "We are actively monitoring the situation and engaging with community partners for more information on this incident, and to provide assistance to the affected families.” The mayor continued saying, "Chicago is and always will be a welcoming city," and even linked a document outlining people's rights in this situation.
ICE Raids Southeast Side Pizzeria, Arrests 5 Employees
