ICE Raids D.C. Restaurants, Including One Owned by Norah O’Donnell’s Husband

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a series of raids on restaurants in Washington, D.C., this week, sparking concern among restaurant owners, employees, and local officials. One of the targeted establishments was Chef Geoff’s, owned by Geoff Tracy, the husband of CBS News anchor Norah O’Donnell.

According to a report by a local Fox affiliate, ICE agents entered Chef Geoff’s on Tuesday morning, requesting to examine the I-9 forms of staff members. These forms are used to verify that employees are legally authorized to work in the United States. The presence of ICE agents reportedly caused panic among the restaurant’s employees.

The Fox 5 report detailed that nearly a dozen law enforcement and immigration officials, identifiable by their Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uniforms, entered the restaurant located on New Mexico Avenue, Northwest. The agents spent approximately 90 minutes at Chef Geoff’s, but no one was taken into custody during the visit.

The raid on Chef Geoff’s was not an isolated incident. The Fox affiliate reported that ICE agents have visited multiple D.C. restaurants in recent days, including establishments in the Dupont Circle and Columbia Heights neighborhoods.

Millie’s, a restaurant near Massachusetts Avenue, also experienced a visit from ICE agents on Tuesday. According to staff members, seven agents entered the restaurant, demanding to see I-9 forms. Notably, the agents presented a warrant that was signed by another ICE agent, rather than a judge.

Bob Blair, the owner of Millie’s, expressed his frustration and concern in a statement to The Washingtonian. He described how the agents "all came in all of the public entrances at the same time," creating a disruptive and intimidating atmosphere. Blair criticized the government inspections, stating, "We were under the impression that they were focusing on trying to find criminals. And this is just a whole new level of harassment to our hard-working, law-abiding employees."

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed the ICE raids, telling the outlet, "I have heard those reports. I’ve been getting them all morning. I am disturbed by them." She expressed concern that ICE appeared to be targeting restaurants and neighborhoods indiscriminately, rather than focusing on known criminals. Bowser also emphasized that D.C. law enforcement was not involved in the raids.

The ICE raids in Washington, D.C., coincide with the Trump administration’s continued commitment to deporting undocumented immigrants from the country. The administration has consistently emphasized its focus on enforcing immigration laws and prioritizing the removal of individuals who are in the country illegally.

The raids also occur amidst ongoing tension between President Trump and CBS News, O’Donnell’s employer. Trump is currently suing CBS, alleging that the network deceptively edited a 2024 interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris to favor her presidential campaign.

As of the time of the report, ICE, CBS, and Chef Geoff’s had not responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.

The recent ICE activity in the nation’s capital has generated a wave of reactions, highlighting the complexities and sensitivities surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States. The raids have raised questions about the scope and tactics employed by ICE, as well as the impact on local businesses and communities.

Some observers have argued that the raids are a necessary measure to ensure compliance with immigration laws and to remove individuals who pose a threat to public safety. They point to ICE’s mission to enforce immigration laws and to prioritize the removal of individuals with criminal records.

However, others have criticized the raids as being overly aggressive and disruptive, particularly in the absence of clear evidence that the targeted restaurants were knowingly employing undocumented workers. They argue that the raids can create a climate of fear and distrust within communities and can negatively impact the livelihoods of both business owners and employees.

The raids have also sparked debate about the role of local law enforcement in immigration enforcement. Mayor Bowser’s statement that D.C. law enforcement was not involved in the raids reflects a broader trend of some cities and states seeking to limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities. These jurisdictions, often referred to as "sanctuary cities" or "sanctuary states," have implemented policies that restrict local law enforcement from assisting ICE in identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants.

The debate over immigration enforcement is likely to continue, particularly as the Trump administration remains committed to its immigration policies. The recent ICE raids in Washington, D.C., serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States.