Immigrant Restaurant Workers React to Trump’s Deportation Threats | Eater

"An Oaxacan restaurant and mutual-aid hub in the South Bronx, run openly by undocumented immigrants and known for donating hundreds of meals to recently arrived refugees. Carolina Saavedra, whose parents were low-wage agricultural pickers when they first arrived in the U.S., recalls that when her parents first came they “picked strawberries and tomatoes for pennies a bucket.” Though Saavedra and her daughter now have legal status, she says growing up “my parents would make us role-play scenarios of what would happen if they were to get deported, if ICE were to come to the house or the restaurant,” and that by claiming undocumented status the operation has become a hub where others can find community and support. She adds that “Even though there’s been threats from the Trump administration, the community of the South Bronx at least know that no matter what, they are always going to have a safe haven in [the restaurant],” underscoring the place’s dual role as a kitchen and sanctuary." - Jaya Saxena