A dramatic scene unfolded at a bakery in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, on Thursday afternoon when dozens of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents surrounded the establishment and apprehended its owner, Jacob Zapeta Castro. The Guatemalan national locked the doors to prevent the officers from detaining his employees, as reported by Telemundo.
Witnesses and family members recounted that Zapeta Castro was on his way to a medical appointment when he noticed he was being followed by ICE agents. He quickly ran to his bakery, "El Quetzal Panadería y Cafetería," locking the doors to shield the ten workers inside.
A Community Stands Witness
Approximately 40 agents and over 20 patrol cars, accompanied by dogs, descended upon the bakery, surrounding it completely. More than forty onlookers gathered on the street to watch the unfolding operation.
"We were completely surrounded, they brought dogs; it was something shocking and frightened everyone," recounted Gilmer Zapeta, the detained man's son, according to a Univision report.
The Standoff and its Resolution
Negotiations lasted around four hours. Gilmer stated that agents delivered an ultimatum to his father: "If the person who locked the door and obstructed our operation comes out, we won't take anyone. But if he doesn't, we'll go in and take everyone." Faced with this threat, Zapeta Castro emerged with his hands raised.
His wife, Gloria López, found their 13 and 14-year-old children—both American citizens—standing with their hands up when she arrived, with agents warning they might take them as well.
"It was terrible for me; I was only thinking about my children, my kids, and the people who have worked with me for many years, serving the Hispanic community," she expressed.
Community Leaders and Employees Speak Out
Mariana Blanco, director of the Centro Guatemalteco Maya, stated they tried to inform agents that Zapeta Castro had a work permit and a valid license. "He's an incredible person, and anyone who knows him personally can vouch for that. He is not the person ICE is portraying," she asserted.
Juana, an employee at the bakery for several years, echoed similar sentiments: "I feel very sad, very sorry for the boss; the truth is he's a good person, not a criminal. He's truly a hero, and it's unfair they took him like that."
ICE's Allegations and Legal Background
ICE identified Zapeta Castro as an undocumented immigrant with four prior deportations, charging him with illegal reentry, multiple arrests for driving under the influence, hit-and-run, and resisting authority. The agency also claimed he attempted to ram agents with his vehicle before barricading himself in the bakery.
However, according to a Spectrum News investigation, criminal records indicate he was convicted of a misdemeanor for driving without a valid license in 2003 and 2004, and in 2011, he was sentenced for driving under the influence, driving without a license, and failing to appear in court. Searches in St. Lucie, Palm Beach, and Broward counties revealed no additional criminal history.
Backdrop of Increased ICE Raids
This operation is part of an uptick in ICE raids at Florida businesses, fueled by agreements between Governor Ron DeSantis and the federal agency, allowing state Highway Patrol to perform delegated immigration duties.
ICE did not disclose where Zapeta Castro was taken following his arrest. Meanwhile, his family demands his release, while an onlooker during the operation voiced the community's sentiment: "Tell him he's not alone; we are all behind him, and we are his community."
The Legal Battle and Community Response
What led to the arrest of Jacob Zapeta Castro?
Jacob Zapeta Castro was arrested after he locked himself and his employees inside his bakery to prevent ICE agents from detaining them. The agents were executing an operation at his business.
How did the community react to the ICE operation?
The community gathered outside the bakery, with many expressing shock and fear at the heavy police presence. They voiced support for Zapeta Castro, emphasizing his positive impact on the community.
What are the allegations against Zapeta Castro by ICE?
ICE accuses Zapeta Castro of being an undocumented immigrant with four prior deportations, illegal reentry, and various driving-related offenses, including attempts to evade law enforcement.