Outrage erupted online after a Michigan small business owner commented on a woman’s video, asking whether she was legally in the country.
The situation began when the woman shared a video opposing ICE operations in the state. She expressed her opinion in the caption, writing, “I’m deeply disappointed and disgusted with ICE terrorizing our neighborhoods.”
After the woman shared the anti-ICE video, the owner of Just Love Coffee Café in Shelby Township commented on it using the café’s official TikTok account. In the comment, the owner asked her, “Are you legal?” in a now-deleted comment.
The comment led the woman to share another video calling out the café owner for allegedly writing it. She revealed the owner’s name and mockingly said she loved how they were being “tough” by leaving such a comment without using a fake account to “hide your racism.” She then told the owner that he had used his business account “to let everyone know where you stand politically.”
The woman continued, telling the owner, “You could have just kept scrolling.” The woman then asked, “If I walked into your coffee shop today, would you call ICE on me?” She added that if that was the type of person he was, people should know.
The next part of the video included the woman telling the owner that Trump, his “leader,” was making MAGA ranchers cry over losing their businesses. She then claimed that thousands of people with money, including herself, would not want to spend their hard-earned “blue” money at his business. She compared this to conservatives boycotting Bud Light over the brand’s use of a transgender influencer in an advertisement.
“I mean I guess that’s the kind of thing that we’re doing now is boycotting businesses like yours who supports ICE terrorizing people or racially profiling them based on what they look like or their political belief,” she said. The rest of the video included her calling out the owner and criticizing Trump’s policies.
She ended the video by saying she hoped the coffee shop owner was treating his customers better than he had treated her. “I would hate for them to leave you a negative Google review after seeing how racist and ignorant you are,” she added. She ultimately said that she would not be going to the café.
What Happened Next
After the woman shared her video, hundreds of people began leaving negative reviews on Just Love Coffee Café’s Google listing. The café initially claimed that its account had been hacked. “We apologize for any comments that were posted during security breach. This page is for business only,” they wrote under a Facebook post they shared.
Although the café initially claimed someone had hacked the account, it later shared another comment apologizing for the question. “We formally apologize for asking a question that was hurtful or harmful to anyone. There is so much stuff on Tik Tok and other sources and we never know how much is true . It was stupid to ask . Didn’t know about ICE in Macomb so thought it was false. Again, truly sorry to anyone that was offended. We welcome and love on everyone and certainly don’t ask where there from or any other inner personal questions. Our sincerest apologies,” they wrote. The conflicting explanations led some Facebook users to believe that someone had not actually hacked the café owner’s account.
In a statement posted after the incident, the woman thanked those who supported her after the business used its official page to question her legal status. While acknowledging that the comment was hurtful, she said she appreciated that the business “has since reached out, sincerely apologized, and taken responsibility for what was said.” She also urged her supporters to show grace and refrain from harassing or threatening the business or its employees. She emphasized that “accountability does not have to mean retaliation.”
She explained that she shared what happened because she believes in calling out harmful behavior. This is while still allowing people room to learn and do better. Reaffirming her commitment to her community, she said her goal was to help build an inclusive environment. One where “immigrants, refugees, people of every race and background can feel respected, safe, and welcome.”
Viewers Slam Michigan Small Business Owner Over Comment
After seeing the woman’s video, many viewers began criticizing the owner of Just Love Coffee Café in Michigan. They called him out for the comment and encouraged others to leave negative reviews. “Everyone should go leave a review,” one person wrote. Another person said, “Bye bye just love coffee.”
Others encouraged the woman not to accept the business’s apology. “Yea, still not drinking his coffee. He showed his true colors! Thank you for speaking out and never take it down. This will hopefully deter abusive behavior from others in the future,” one person wrote. Another person said, “You are nice but an apology isn’t enough. We can’t keep being the nice guys. Nice guys let others kick them when they are down and then ask them if their shoes are comfortable… but you are a better human than I.”
The video highlighted how business owners’ personal beliefs can become associated with their businesses when expressed through official accounts. The reactions also showed how some viewers viewed the café owner’s comment as something that warranted accountability.
