Eight people allegedly in the United States illegally were apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Davenport, ICE officials have confirmed to News 8.
The arrests occurred on Wednesday, April 22. According to ICE, the arrests are part of a larger investigation into immigration infractions and other connected crimes.
The eight people are employees at Izumi Steakhouse, a Japanese restaurant located off Utica Ridge Road in Davenport. Mhisho Lynch, a former Davenport alderwoman, is a close friend with the restaurant proprietors. She was requested to speak on their behalf.
According to a recent Facebook post, the restaurant was shuttered for a week following the investigation due to employee concern. They are fine people who have worked hard and created lives here but are now afraid to go to work. They are scared to leave their homes. I’m concerned that doing everything correctly will be ineffective. “This is completely devastating, and my heart is heavy,” Lynch wrote in part.
Red Ginger in Bettendorf, another restaurant under the same ownership, has subsequently closed and merged with Izumi’s to support them.
Davenport municipal officials claimed federal authorities informed them about the operation when it began, but they were not asked to participate.
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