The raids targeted two Mexican restaurants in Allegheny and Butler counties on Thursday.
On Thursday, ICE raids took place at Mexican restaurants in the Pittsburgh area.
Federal agents reportedly raided two restaurants in Allegheny and Butler counties. Both raids took place at locations of Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant and Bar.
At the Richland Township location on Route 8, police tape surrounded the restaurant and fire crews were nearby.
Police tape was also at the scene at the Emiliano’s in Cranberry Township. Law enforcement vehicles were present at the establishment while the immigration raid took place.
An immigration advocacy group at the Richland Township location told local news that nine people were taken into custody from that location. Seven were reportedly taken into custody at the Cranberry Township location.
Emiliano’s Restaurant posted on social media, explaining that federal agents “stormed” their restaurants.
The statement reads, “What you saw on the news doesn’t tell the full story. On Wednesday, federal agents stormed our restaurants in a show of force that went far beyond anything reasonable or humane. They didn’t just detain people – they raided the heart of our business, tore through our spaces, and left behind a trail of fear, confusion, and destruction.”
The post continued, “Our kitchens were flipped. Our walk-ins emptied. Food trashed. Doors broken. Lives shattered. But what they can’t destroy is who we are. At Emiliano’s, we’ve always been more than a restaurant. We’re a family – and like many restaurants in this country, we are built on the backs of immigrants. We will not apologize for that.”
The post expressed solidarity with the restaurant’s workers and stated plans to reopen.
In a statement, the FBI said it was conducting immigration enforcement operations in the Gibsonia area with DHS.
“The FBI in Pittsburgh continues to provide investigative, technical, and analytical support to our partners at the Department of Homeland Security in their immigration operations all over the region as directed by the Attorney General,” the statement said.
A fundraising page has been posted by the restaurant and local supporters on social media to raise money for those impacted.
The recent immigration raids in Pittsburgh come as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to crack down on illegal immigration and end the border crisis by securing the nation’s borders.
This Emiliano’s ICE situation has become complex when it is the simplest thing ever — were these workers legal or illegal?
Yes or no. That’s it.Just because some suburban moms love margaritas at a place on Girls Night Out doesn’t mean they get to be selective about laws. pic.twitter.com/QpBFuQN9m2
— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) August 8, 2025
