US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, hanging out in restaurants usually doesn’t end without outrage. So it’s understandable why one sandwich shop from Tennessee doesn’t want them and even put up a “No ICE” sign. ICE, however, didn’t like this sign, so they brought the FBI, National Guard, ATF, local police, and even other backups to blockade the shop, much to the business owner’s distress.
The incident occurred around 10 PM the night of January 4 in Da Sammich Spot located at 3020 Park Ave., Memphis, Tennessee. Da Sammich Spot’s owner put up a right-to-refuse sign saying “No ICE Access” along with the other legal implications of violating the policies of a private property. Only, the owner was shocked to see dozens of federal and law enforcement agents in front of his shop that night, blocking the restaurant with their vehicles.
In the video, you can even hear the shop owner questioning the agents’ actions, “So what’s the problem? This is intimidation. This right here is what you call having me afraid of my life,” explains the owner. “I’m scared for my life, there’s a lot of weapons out here, guns and stuff. Why ya’ll doing this to me?” he added as the law enforcement and federal agents refused to answer him.
ICE and the other federal or law enforcement entities never really explained the purpose of their visit and their blockade, though the video author claims it was “partially in retaliation to this sign [No ICE Access].” It’s not clear how long the standoff lasted, but it appears Da Sammich Spot is back in full operation. It still upholds its policy, “Great food, great vibes, great conversation and NO NG, NO ICE, NO 22 OTHER Agencies Only at Da Sammich Spot.”
People online are grilling ICE for the sandwich blockade
Of course, there’s no shortage of critics, both online and offline, who are slamming the federal and law enforcement officers on the scene for basically preparing to go to war against a sandwich shop for denying them sandwiches and access. The more worrying matter is how they’re no longer following the process, “Law enforcement is no longer protecting and serving their communities. This is getting disgusting.”
Others have also questioned the legality of the situation, “Why aren’t local police helping this guy?” with another ranting, “All they do is terrorize communities.” Thankfully, it appears nothing harmful happened to Da Sammich Spot and its customers. In fact, the owner’s courage and continued defiance in keeping ICE out of the private establishment have earned the support of many potential sandwich lovers.
“What’s the restaurants name so we can support $$ ??,” asks one commenter online. “Not only do I love sandwiches but I love another business fighting the good fight!” echoes another. Meanwhile, it appears that despite powering through with his “No ICE” sign, many still are advising Da Sammich Spot to lawyer up.
