RAMW Statement regarding ICE Activity in DC

The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is deeply concerned by reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities, including reported raids and drop-ins, at dining establishments across the District of Columbia. 

Immigrants make up a significant portion of our workforce at all levels. From dishwashers to executive chefs to restaurant owners, immigrants are irreplaceable contributors to our most celebrated restaurants and beloved neighborhood establishments. The immigrant workforce has been essential to sustaining and growing our local restaurant industry and has been a major contributor to our local economy. 

The metropolitan Washington area's restaurant industry employs over 60,000 people and generates billions in annual revenue. At a time when our economy is already fragile, losing even one staff member at a single establishment has a profound impact on the operations of a restaurant and its ability to serve patrons. Disrupting restaurant staffing across the industry can create a damaging ripple effect felt immediately throughout the entire local economy.

Our focus is on maintaining the vitality and safety of metropolitan Washington’s restaurant community. The industry needs predictable policies that allow for proper business planning. We urge policymakers on a local and federal level to consider the real-world impact on local businesses and communities. More importantly, we expect that every member of our community, regardless of status, will be treated with dignity, communicated with clearly, and afforded every legal right guaranteed. 

We strongly encourage all restaurant owners and operators to proactively educate themselves and their staff on workplace rights and legal procedures in the event of an event with immigration enforcement. An expansive set of helpful and timely resources is accessible on the RAMW website.