A Puerto Rican woman known on TikTok as @cucituraroom has sparked widespread outrage online after sharing her troubling experience at a Walmart in Ohio. There, staff refused to accept her Puerto Rican-issued ID to purchase a bottle of wine. "We're outraged," she declared in the now-viral video. "Respect is due to Latinos and Puerto Ricans."
The incident began when her brother presented his Puerto Rican ID, which meets U.S. identification standards. The cashier dismissed it, claiming it wasn't valid "because it wasn't made by the United States," allegedly in a mocking tone, according to the woman.
The situation escalated when she requested to speak to a manager, who sided with the cashier, claiming there had been a misunderstanding—she thought it said "Costa Rica," despite the document clearly stating "Puerto Rico." "They treated us as if we were lying, told us to leave, and threatened to call the police. We waited in the parking lot, but no one ever showed up," she recounted.
The video has elicited thousands of reactions on TikTok, with others sharing similar experiences of discrimination and ignorance regarding Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. territory. "They told me Puerto Ricans are like Cubans," one young woman shared. "In South Carolina, my daughter's Real ID wasn't accepted either," another user added.
Current and former Walmart employees have also weighed in. "I work at Walmart, and Puerto Rican IDs are accepted because they're federally valid. The cashier clearly didn't know what they were doing or chose not to," one employee commented. Another person recounted being subjected to offensive remarks: "They told me Puerto Ricans needed a 'green card,' as if we were immigrants."
As of now, Walmart has yet to issue any public statement on the matter, but criticism continues to pour in. Many users have urged filing a formal complaint with the corporate office and have even suggested a discrimination lawsuit. "If you see a video of a Latina causing a scene in Walmart, yes, that's me. And I'd do it again. Puerto Ricans and Latinos deserve respect," the woman concluded.
Understanding Puerto Rican Identification in the U.S.
Can Puerto Rican IDs be used in the United States?
Yes, Puerto Rican IDs are recognized as valid forms of identification in the United States, as Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory.
What should someone do if their Puerto Rican ID is not accepted?
If a Puerto Rican ID is not accepted, individuals can request to speak with a manager. It's also advisable to report the incident to the corporate office of the business.
What is the status of Puerto Rico in relation to the United States?
Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, and its residents are U.S. citizens.