Taco Giro, a small but popular taco chain in Arizona, was forced to close seven of its restaurants after federal authorities detained dozens of its employees.
The closures shook the local community, leaving patrons and staff alike uncertain about what would happen next.
Dozens of Workers Detained by Federal Agencies
Cesar Rodriguez, Taco Giro’s director of operations, confirmed to the Tucson Sentinel that 46 employees were swept up in coordinated raids involving ICE, the Department of Homeland Security, and the IRS.
The operation focused on several homes where staff members lived.
“Basically, they rounded up people at their homes and came into the restaurants to check documentation and investigate some items,” Rodriguez explained.
“That was pretty much the extent of it.”
Staff Shortages Lead to Temporary Closures
The raids caused the chain to lose roughly 10% of its workforce.
One of the affected locations, situated at the Country Club of Green Valley, lost six employees, though Rodriguez noted that no agents actually visited the restaurant itself.
Three of the seven shuttered locations have already reopened as the chain works to rehire and retrain staff.
Allegations Against the Chain
Rodriguez said the attention from ICE likely stemmed from claims that some workers were paid “under the table.”
While federal authorities confiscated materials as part of an audit, Rodriguez described other accusations—ranging from drug smuggling to child trafficking—as “ridiculous.”
He emphasized that Taco Giro had never been contacted by the IRS or ICE before these raids and that the restaurant had always required identification and proper employment documentation from all hires.
A Family-Owned Business Navigates Challenges
Founded in 2008 by the Ramos Mora brothers, Taco Giro prides itself on authentic Mexican cuisine and carefully trained staff.
The chain has always operated as a “mom and pop” business, opening new locations with experienced employees from existing branches.
Rodriguez said the owners never had the financial resources to implement E-Verify, a federal system that checks workers’ eligibility.
Community Reactions and Political Attention
The raids drew wider attention after Rep. Adelita Grijalva said she was pepper-sprayed while approaching ICE agents.
Grijalva appeared on The Buckmaster Show radio program following the incident, showing red blotches on her skin and describing the event as “very scary.”
Looking Ahead for Taco Giro
Despite the setbacks, Rodriguez remains hopeful.
“We’re planning to reopen locations little by little as we continue hiring and training,” he said.
The chain’s loyal customers are keeping their fingers crossed, eager to see the familiar flavors and margaritas return to Arizona neighborhoods.
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