Five employees detained in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid at a Mexican restaurant last month were released on bond Tuesday, an immigration lawyer has confirmed.
Margaret Wong, who represents the detainees, said all six individuals taken into custody at Cilantro Taqueria on Jan. 28 were undocumented but had no prior removal orders or criminal records.
“They should be out before at least 4 o’clock today,” Wong said during a press conference at her office Tuesday.
Each detainee was released on a $4,500 bond. Wong noted that undocumented individuals can request bond from an immigration judge, calling it a standard practice.
ICE agents conducted the raid with six vehicles—two stationed in front of the restaurant and four in the back—allegedly in search of a specific individual, Wong said. However, they proceeded to detain multiple people inside the restaurant.
She said that no one was asked for papers, and no warrants were issued.
Republican state Rep. Josh Williams of the 41st District commended ICE’s actions.
“It’s unfortunate to hear that individuals who are here illegally were released back into our community, but I understand that our courts respect the due process rights of individuals,” Williams said.
Williams previously introduced House Bill 671, known as the America First Act, which would make it a criminal offense to be in Ohio without legal documentation. He said the bill did not pass but may be reintroduced next year.
“Many individuals here illegally are taking wages away from Americans and sending those wages across the world, where the dollar is worth more in those communities,” Williams said.
Wong declined to confirm who paid the bonds for the released detainees but said they are scheduled to appear in immigration court next week.
Last week, Cilantro Taqueria owner Sandro Galindo told News 5 that federal agents arrested six employees.
RELATED: 57 people in custody after ICE raids in Northeast Ohio; feds not talking
ICE Quotas
Last week, the Trump administration issued new quotas for ICE field offices across the country, demanding at least 75 arrests per day of people who are illegally in the country.
According to The Washington Post, field office managers will face repercussions if the arrest targets are unmet.
RELATED: ICE ramps up migrant arrests as Trump immigration crackdown intensifies
Community Support
A rally was held in Cleveland Heights on Monday night against the recent ICE raids.
RELATED: Dozens gather in Cleveland Heights to rally against recent ICE raids
Dozens of people attended the Rapid Response Community Meeting, which was held in the basement of a Cleveland Heights bookstore.
The first hour of the meeting comprised an informational session on what to do if approached by ICE agents. It was followed by making pamphlets and cutting fliers to hand out around the area.
