MAGA Defends Arizona Diner Under Fire for Feeding ICE Free Burritos
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TUCSON, Ariz. — A family-owned Mexican restaurant in Arizona has become the center of a growing national debate after its owner faced threats and backlash for offering free meals to federal immigration agents and law enforcement — sparking a wave of support from conservatives and members of the local community.
Jorge Rivas, owner of Sammy’s Mexican Grill in Tucson, recently joined Newsmax host Todd Starnes to discuss the controversy and the overwhelming response from supporters who rallied behind his business after it came under attack.
“When folks around Tucson, Arizona, want homemade tamales and two pound burritos, they make a beeline to Sammy’s Mexican Grill,” Starnes said during the interview, describing the restaurant as “a family owned spot that has rave reviews from locals.”
But the popular eatery soon found itself in the political spotlight after Rivas began offering complimentary meals to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and other law enforcement officers — a gesture he says was motivated by gratitude for their service.
Backlash and Threats
Rivas told Starnes the decision triggered an immediate and intense reaction from critics, including threatening phone calls and online attacks.
“It is, to me it is sad, beyond sad, how people, just because you don’t agree with them, they will attack you,” Rivas said.
The restaurant owner described receiving “hundreds of calls or thousands of calls, very negative, telling us all kinds of mean stuff,” along with “hundreds and thousands of one-star reviews online.”
Rivas said the backlash was not entirely new, noting that his restaurant had previously faced criticism for supporting President Donald Trump. But the reaction intensified after he publicly provided free meals to ICE agents, a decision he said was rooted in principle.
“We’re offering free meals to law enforcement agents, which I think is the right thing to do because they’re under attack,” Rivas said.
He added that Americans must show solidarity with those who protect communities.
“I feel like a normal little… citizen, you need to stand up by the law enforcement. Otherwise, you’ll be in trouble,” he told Starnes.
A Gesture of Gratitude
Rivas explained that his policy allows law enforcement officers to eat at the restaurant without charge as a sign of appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
“When law enforcement comes to our building, they don’t have to pay for the meals,” he said. “Sometimes they will ask to pay. But they have the choice not to pay for it because we feel that it’s a way for us to say thank you for what you’re doing.”
He emphasized the risks officers face daily.
“Thank you for putting your life on the line to keep us everybody secure,” Rivas said, explaining why he continues the policy despite the criticism.
According to Rivas, the restaurant recently hosted dozens of federal agents, including senior officials.
“Kristi Noem… was here for about an hour, along with about 60 to 70 ICE agents, law enforcement agents, and we fed all of them,” he said.
Community and Conservative Support
Despite the backlash, Rivas said the response from supporters has been “overwhelming,” with customers flooding the restaurant to show solidarity.
“We were busy all day and we were running out of prep,” he told Starnes, describing how the restaurant eventually had to close early after selling out of food.
“The support has been great, overwhelming,” Rivas said.
He added that the situation reflects broader public support for law enforcement.
“I feel that not only people… got a support someone like me, but also people need to speak out and make sure that they stand up with authority… law enforcement, because they really need our support,” Rivas said.
Conservatives across social media also praised Rivas, calling his actions patriotic and encouraging others to patronize his business.
The American Dream
During the interview, Rivas — who emigrated legally from El Salvador — also expressed gratitude for the opportunities he says America has provided.
“We admire [President Trump] very much,” Rivas said, describing him as “a person who has conviction, a person of word.”
“Someone like myself who came from El Salvador, a place that was formed by civil war, we really appreciate to live in a country that has the ability to give you the opportunity to live the American dream,” he said.
Rivas said he continues to stand by his decision to support law enforcement despite the controversy, framing the issue as one of principle rather than politics.
Starnes closed the interview by praising the restaurant owner as “a great American patriot” and wishing him and his family success.
As the debate continues, Rivas says his focus remains on serving his community — and showing appreciation for those he believes protect it — while supporters continue to rally around the small business owner at the center of the controversy.
A Message For President Trump
Rivas also had a message for President Trump, a man he admires greatly.
“We feel very happy that he is the commander-in-chief, that he’s our president,” he told starnes. “Someone like myself who came from El Salvador, a place that was formed by civil war, We really appreciate to live in a country that has the ability to give you the opportunity to live the American dream. So thank you, Mr. President. We’re praying for you, and you’re doing a wonderful job.”
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