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Restaurant Closures in Columbus, MS Fuel ICE Rumors

Closed Mexican restaurants in Columbus, MS with community members discussing

News Summary

Columbus, MS has been abuzz with speculation following the unexpected closures of popular Mexican restaurants, leading to concerns about potential ICE enforcement. Mi Hacienda, Sol Y Luna, and Guadalajara Cantina and Grill shut down, prompting locals to fear immigration activity. However, local officials clarified that the closures were due to maintenance and staffing issues, not ICE operations. While reassurance came from authorities, questions lingered about earlier ICE activities, leaving many in the community anxious.

Columbus, MS – Restaurant Closures Spark ICE Rumors

Columbus has had quite a curious week, especially for fans of delicious Mexican cuisine. Locals expecting to enjoy a tasty lunch at Mi Hacienda found the doors shut tight on a seemingly ordinary Friday. This little twist of fate left many hungry customers feeling quite disappointed.

But Mi Hacienda wasn’t alone in its temporary closure. A wave of rumors swept through the city as other well-loved Mexican spots like Sol Y Luna Mexican Grill and Guadalajara Cantina and Grill also decided to close their doors for the day. This decision fueled speculation among the community that perhaps these closures were part of something bigger involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Social Media Sparks Concerns

The chatter began when a post in the Columbus, MS Watch and Information group pointed out that multiple Mexican restaurants had shut down for the day. With worries running high, many folks began to connect the dots, speculating about potential ICE raids in the area. This kind of anxiety isn’t uncommon, especially when it comes to immigration enforcement, which can sometimes create a cloud of uncertainty in communities.

As the day progressed, the closures continued. Signs posted at the doors of Guadalajara Cantina and Grill indicated the closure was due to maintenance issues, while Mi Toro attributed its shutdown to staffing problems. These explanations did little to quell the swirling rumors that had taken off among the local diners. Residents began to wonder: was there something more behind these closures?

Assurances Amid the Uncertainty

To set the record straight, Lindsay Williams, a public affairs officer for ICE, clarified that there were no enforcement actions taking place in Columbus that Friday. While the waters may have been muddied with speculation, the official statement aimed to assure the public that it was merely maintenance and staffing issues leading to the temporary closures.

Adding fuel to the fire of concern, there were still questions lingering about whether any detainments or warrants were executed earlier in the week. Williams did not provide any information to confirm or deny if there were any ICE activities that may have occurred prior to the closures.

No Local Alerts on ICE Activity

Reassurance continued to pour in from local officials. Both Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins and Columbus Police Chief Joseph Daughtry stated that their agencies had not received any notice of ICE activity in the area. Chief Daughtry noted it’s not uncommon for federal agencies like ICE to operate without notifying local law enforcement beforehand.

This ambiguity leaves the community somewhat on edge, with the closures causing not just hunger pangs but also uncertainty. While many residents trust the hardworking individuals at these restaurants, concerns about immigration enforcement are very real for some members of the Columbus community.

Attempts to Connect with Restaurant Owners

As the team at The Dispatch sought to get in touch with the owners of Mi Hacienda, Sol y Luna, and several employees, it became apparent that communication was tough to come by during this perplexing time. No responses were received prior to press time, leaving diners with more questions than answers about future dining plans.

As Columbus navigates this unexpected chapter, it remains to be seen when these popular dining spots will welcome back their loyal customers. In the meantime, please keep your ears open as the community works together, and hopefully, they’ll be savoring their favorite Mexican dishes again soon!