A tense situation unfolded on Saturday, November 8, in Chicago's Southwest side neighborhood of La Villita. Gregory Bovino, the regional chief of the Border Patrol, along with several agents, was asked to leave the Aguascalientes Butcher and Taco Shop, a longstanding Latin business on the iconic 26th Street.
The shop's owner, Carlos Macías, refused service to Bovino and his team, insisting that his establishment is private property and federal agents cannot enter without a valid warrant.
Numerous signs on the storefront caution, “NO ICE. Federal agents cannot enter without a legal warrant,” as reported by Univisión.
“Bovino showed up around 9:30 or 10:00 in the morning seeking service, and he was denied,” Macías recounted.
“I told him no, it's a private place, it's mine, and he had to leave. There was no service for him,” emphasized the owner of Aguascalientes, situated in a predominantly Mexican area.
Witnesses reported that Bovino argued the shop was a “public place,” but employees maintained it was private property.
Following a brief exchange, the Border Patrol chief and his agents departed, though they reportedly lingered in the parking lot, laughing before eventually leaving.
Security cameras recorded the moment Bovino and the agents entered and were confronted by cashier Eli Gutiérrez, the first to refuse them service.
“The cashier told them it was private property, they had to leave, and they wouldn't be served,” explained Michele Macías, the owners' daughter.
The family noted that the agents stayed in the parking lot for a while before leaving.
“My dad went out and told Bovino he needed to leave the parking lot because it was private property. He responded that he wouldn't leave and threatened arrest if he got closer,” Michele recounted.
After several tense minutes, the federal agents finally left the premises.
Although no arrests or interrogations occurred, the Macías family admitted feeling fear and frustration due to the Border Patrol's presence in La Villita, amid the Midway Blitz operation, which has increased immigration checks in Chicago's Latin neighborhoods.
“Lots of fear, lots of sadness because we all live here. As business owners, we want to protect our employees because they are like our second family,” Michele Macías expressed.
The community's response was swift. Within hours, the butcher shop received dozens of positive reviews on Google Maps and supportive messages from across the nation.
“Thank you for supporting our Latin community,” wrote Karla M. Rojas.
Another user, Luis del Ángel, commented, “I haven't shopped there, but I appreciate what you did. When I can, I'll go buy tacos.”
Immigration rights advocates praised the Macías family's stance as an act of peaceful resistance against what they see as the “militarization” of Latin neighborhoods.
This incident arises amid escalating tensions between federal authorities and Chicago's immigrant community following a series of raids and arrests in Hispanic markets and neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Incident in La Villita
Why were the Border Patrol agents denied service at the Aguascalientes Butcher and Taco Shop?
The shop's owner, Carlos Macías, denied service because the establishment is private property and federal agents cannot enter without a valid warrant.
What was the community's reaction to the incident?
The community responded with support, as the shop received numerous positive reviews and messages of solidarity from across the country.
What was the outcome of the confrontation between the shop owner and the agents?
The Border Patrol agents eventually left the premises after a brief confrontation, without making any arrests or conducting interrogations.