Immigrant Restaurant Owners Targeted After Serving Free Meals to Law Enforcement

When “ICE Out” protests spread across Arizona in recent months, one restaurant found itself at the center of the ICE storm. At Sammy’s Mexican Grill, owners Jorge and Betty Rivas—immigrants who have lived the American dream—chose to stay open and continue their five-year tradition of serving free meals to all law enforcement officers. 

The Rivas’ story reached The Daily Signal through Mark Hurley, senior adviser to the president for donor relations at The Heritage Foundation. Hurley stopped for lunch at Sammy’s Mexican Grill during a trip to Arizona, and was struck by the family’s resilience, calling their story “impressive” and inspiring to see people “standing up for what they believe in.” 

When Protests Hit Tucson 

During “ICE Out” protests in Tucson, Arizona, organizers called for a day of demonstration against Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Many businesses and restaurants closed to show their support for the protest and posted signs on their doors. 

All eyes turned to Sammy’s Mexican Grill when it chose to stay open. The situation escalated after a local reporter asked owner Jorge Rivas if the “free meals for law enforcement” policy extended to ICE officers. When Jorge replied, “Yeah”—explaining that “they’re also enforcing the laws”—criticism and backlash erupted. 

Jorge, his family, and the restaurant were met with hundreds of insulting calls and thousands of negative reviews. People who had never visited the grill deliberately left false, damaging comments. 

Origins of the Free Meals 

When asked why the Rivas family began serving free meals to law enforcement five years ago, Jorge told The Daily Signal that the idea grew out of rising hostility toward police. 

He pointed to a Dallas police ambush, where five officers were killed, as well as reports of police being denied service in Louisiana restaurants because the owners “didn’t feel safe with law enforcement.”  

“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 at Sammy’s Mexican Grill offering officers free meals as a gesture of appreciation. 

From Immigrants to Business Owners 

Jorge is originally from El Salvador and Betty is from Mexico. The two immigrated to the United States, married, and raised three boys who have all graduated from college. They eventually were able to start and own a restaurant—and the building it’s in. 

In 2020, Jorge wrote a book titled “Modern Patriots: How one Hispanic family fought backlash after supporting the man who would become an American president.” The book recounts how a wave of threats and harassment followed Betty’s appearance at a Trump rally, and how their family relied on faith, unity, and love of country to stay strong in their beliefs. 

“We’re very grateful for everything that we have been able to achieve in this country,” Jorge said of their version of the American dream. 

A High-Profile Visit 

In February, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks visited Sammy’s Mexican Grill, accompanied by about 60 ICE officers—all of whom received a free meal. 

Jorge said it was a great event, and Noem was able to personally thank him for the work he has done in the community. 

For Jorge and Betty Rivas, the backlash and controversy haven’t changed their beliefs. They will keep serving their community—and cops—one meal at a time. 

Reagan Campbell is an intern for The Daily Signal.

Reprinted with Permission from The Daily Signal – By Reagan Campbell

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of AMAC or AMAC Action.