In a climate where agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) often find themselves under fire from radical segments of the left, one restaurateur stands out for his unwavering support. Jorge Rivas, an immigrant from El Salvador who owns Sammy’s Mexican Grill in Catalina, Arizona, is taking a bold stand by offering free meals to law enforcement officers, including those on the front lines of immigration enforcement.
Rivas’s initiative is rooted in a deep appreciation for the risks ICE agents face daily. In a recent appearance on Newsmax’s “Ike Wingate America,” he explained, “we feel the need to say thank you” to those who serve and protect the community. As a legal immigrant himself, Rivas understands the significance of lawful enforcement measures, especially in a border state where such operations have become common. He believes that support for law enforcement shouldn’t waver in the face of political disagreements.
His commitment to honoring law enforcement is not new. Rivas revealed that he has been providing free meals for about five years, highlighting his long-term dedication to combating the hostility that officers experience. “Even back then, I noticed how many people were mistreating law enforcement,” he said, indicating that this contentious relationship is not a recent development. His restaurant, now a sanctuary for local law enforcement, offers officers a warm meal and a place where they are respected amidst broader societal tensions.
The stories Rivas shares resonate on a personal level. He emphasizes the vital role officers play, stating, “When we call 911, we expect a guy to come over, blazing, ready to defend you, ready to help you.” This expectation, he notes, contrasts sharply with the treatment some officers receive from the public. Rivas addresses this contradiction directly, lamenting the public’s growing tendency to “interfere with their work… pushing them, kicking them.” Such acts not only demoralize law enforcement personnel but also undermine the social contract that requires respect for those who risk their lives for others.
Rivas’s message is clear: while debates about immigration policies can be contentious, they do not justify disrespecting the agents themselves. He articulates this point succinctly: “Some people might say, ‘well, what they’re doing is wrong.’ We can disagree on what is good and what is bad, or the laws need to be adjusted. That’s a whole different issue. But… that doesn’t give them the green light to be abusive and to try and hurt them.” This perspective serves as a reminder that law enforcement, regardless of political context, should be treated with the respect they deserve.
The restaurant owner has witnessed a shift in public sentiment surrounding his policy. Initially, he faced backlash, but recently, he has seen an influx of support from “great patriots.” Rivas notes, “At the beginning, we had a lot of negativity. But in the last few days… a lot of great patriots coming over.” This change reflects a broader acknowledgment of the need to support those who serve the community, regardless of political differences. His stance challenges others to voice their support unapologetically, asserting, “Some people are afraid to say what is right. But we’re not afraid.”
Through his actions, Rivas not only feeds those who protect the community but also serves as a model for how gratitude can manifest in practical, impactful ways. His story illustrates the importance of standing up for what one believes in, regardless of the prevalent tensions around them. As society continues to grapple with conflicting views on immigration and law enforcement, individuals like Rivas remind us that kindness and support can transcend political divides.
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