Starbucks, Target Face Backlash Over Racist Cup Joke

Blanca Lopez, a Hispanic immigrant, was offended after a Starbucks barista at a Target in Irving, Texas, wrote the message 'What do you call a sick eagle? Illegal' on her coffee cup while she was with her two daughters. The incident has been seen as offensive and personal by Lopez, reflecting heightened sensitivities in the Hispanic community amid recent deportation experiences. Lopez reported the event to the store manager, who apologized and promised to address it, but she has not yet received a formal apology from Starbucks. Outrage in the local Hispanic community has led activist Carlos Quintanilla to organize a protest outside the store. Both Starbucks and Target have launched investigations and Starbucks reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for discriminatory behavior. Lopez and community advocates are now demanding accountability and stronger actions beyond an apology.