ICE Raids Multiple Restaurants in Washington, D.C.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted raids at multiple Washington, D.C. restaurants, including Chef Geoff’s, which is owned by CBS News anchor Norah O’Donnell’s husband, Geoff Tracy. Nearly a dozen ICE agents arrived at Chef Geoff’s and other establishments, requesting to see I-9 forms used to verify employee work authorization; no arrests were made at any of the locations. The operation affected several other well-known D.C. restaurants, some of which were given advance notice, while others received verbal warnings that further inspections would occur. Restaurant industry representatives expressed concern over the disruptive nature of the raids and the fear instilled among staff, many of whom are immigrants. ICE officials characterized the visits as administrative in nature, though some restaurant owners described the tactics as alarming and disruptive to business. The raids are part of a broader federal crackdown on illegal employment in the food industry.