A Hispanic mother has publicly alleged that she was subjected to discrimination at a Starbucks located inside a Target store in Irving, Texas, after receiving her order with an offensive message inscribed on the cup lid. On June 23, Blanca López, an immigrant and mother of two, visited the establishment where her daughters decided to treat her to a horchata latte to celebrate the end of the school year. What was meant to be a joyful family moment turned into outrage when one of her daughters noticed a handwritten message on the lid: “What do you call a sick eagle? Illegal.”
The phrase, playing on the rhyme between "eagle" and "illegal," was perceived by López as disrespectful to her heritage. “To me, it’s offensive,” she told CBS News Texas. “Am I supposed to laugh? What do they want me to do?” she added, visibly upset.
Immediately, López showed the cup to a store manager, who apologized and promised to address the situation with the staff. López kept the cup as evidence and has expressed that she is still awaiting a formal response from the company, as she stated in an interview with CBS News Texas. “Why are they calling me that? How do they know if I have papers or not? Why was it written?” López questioned, deeply affected by the symbolic weight of the word “illegal,” especially as people close to her have recently faced deportations.
Community Reaction and Corporate Response
The incident sparked outrage within Irving’s Hispanic community and led to a protest organized by activist Carlos Quintanilla of Acción América. “It’s not just inappropriate, it’s disturbing,” he remarked. “Especially now, when many media outlets link being illegal with criminality.”
Both Starbucks and Target released statements declaring that they are investigating the matter. “We want everyone in our stores to be treated with courtesy and respect; we apologize and are addressing the situation,” stated Target. Starbucks reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards discriminatory behavior.
Broader Context of Immigration Tensions
This event unfolds amid a backdrop of immigration tensions in the United States, where immigrant communities are particularly sensitive to messages perceived as hostile or exclusionary. Blanca López remains adamant that an apology is insufficient. “I am an immigrant, and that’s why I was offended. They have no right to call me that,” she concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions on Discrimination and Response
What was the offensive message written on the Starbucks cup?
The message was a handwritten joke: “What do you call a sick eagle? Illegal.”
How did Blanca López react to the message?
Blanca López felt disrespected and offended by the message, perceiving it as a slight against her heritage.
What actions have Starbucks and Target taken in response?
Both companies have issued statements apologizing and stating that they are investigating the incident.
What broader context does this incident highlight?
The incident underscores ongoing immigration tensions in the United States, with immigrant communities being sensitive to potentially hostile messages.