Overview

• On May 6, 2025, ICE agents visited multiple Washington, D.C., restaurants, including Chef Geoff’s, Millie’s, and Chang Chang, to conduct I-9 employment verification audits.
• No arrests were made during the inspections, but ICE agents indicated plans to return to collect employment records at some locations.
• The audits are part of President Trump’s recent executive orders intensifying immigration enforcement in sanctuary jurisdictions like D.C.
• Mayor Muriel Bowser and local restaurant leaders criticized the actions, citing operational disruptions and the essential role of immigrant workers in the industry.
• The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington warned of potential economic ripple effects, as the D.C. restaurant industry employs over 60,000 workers, many of whom are immigrants.