After hearing and seeing the multiple ICE raids that began to ravage neighborhoods across Los Angeles two weeks ago, this taquería in East L.A. acted swiftly to protect their families and employees.
“When we realized that things were getting more serious, we had a meeting with the family and decided that the best for everybody was to have our parents safe,” said Jonathan, one of the sons behind Don Cuco’s Tijuana Style Tacos. “We decided we’ll take over and run the business.”
Jonathan, his brother, two sisters, and the children of other employees announced last Friday via social media that they would be temporarily taking over the business, saying:
“We continue the work in honor of our parents.”
Two raids near their original location also prompted the heroic and heartfelt decision.
“They've been nearby, one of our colleagues, Jason’s Tacos, was hit,” Jonathan said about the first reported food truck that ICE raided last Thursday. “It affects our workers; They're scared. We don’t know what to expect anymore if they're going to catch us by surprise. This is impacting us, hard-working people.”
The 32-year-old taquero has spent the last week working double shifts with his siblings. If he isn’t attending to customer orders, he checks his phone for updates on ICE sightings or is actively looking to hire help.