Restaurant helping police in LA Riots flooded with positive reviews
A Salvadoran restaurant in Compton, California, has received a wave of positive online reviews after staff were seen assisting injured sheriff's deputies during recent protests in Los Angeles over federal immigration enforcement actions.
It comes after footage aired by local news station ABC7 showed workers at Pupuseria La Ceiba offering aid, including helping officers affected by tear gas, as demonstrations in the area escalated over the weekend.
Why It Matters
Compton was one of the neighborhoods hit by violent clashes as protesters demonstrating against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, which were part of President Donald Trump's mass deportation policy, targeted federal agents.
Local law enforcement was called in to try to calm the situation but were not involved in immigration enforcement efforts due to sanctuary laws in Los Angeles and California.
Tensions between demonstrators and law enforcement led to the use of chemical agents, property damage, and the deployment of the National Guard and the U.S. Marines by the White House. The protests erupted last week over claims that detainees were being held in the basement of a federal building—allegations ICE has denied. A spokesperson previously told Newsweek that the agency "categorically refutes the assertions made by immigration activists in Los Angeles."
Federal officers in tactical gear deployed tear gas and other nonlethal weapons toward protesters in Compton and Paramount on Saturday as authorities intensified efforts to contain riots and violent unrest.
The footage from Pupuseria La Ceiba showed staff tending to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office deputies, rubbing what appeared to be milk in their eyes after the clashes in the streets nearby. Once the deputies were cleaned up, they went back to their duties. It was not immediately clear where the tear gas came from.
What To Know
The gesture from Pupuseria La Ceiba did not go unnoticed. The restaurant's Yelp page quickly filled with new five-star reviews, many from people applauding their response.
"Thank you for helping and caring. That was not an easy decision with everything going on. So Thank you for caring and helping those officers," Dominic L., a combat veteran from Yuma, Arizona, wrote on June 9. "I am originally from Los Angeles and the next time I come visit family. I will be sure to stop by and thank you in person."
Another Yelp reviewer, Kievann L. from Yokosuka, Japan, praised the restaurant for its community spirit, writing on June 9, "Takes care of the community and her people. Thanks for what you and your team did to help out our officers. See you next time I go to LA. God bless
What People Are Saying
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department previously told Newsweek in a statement: "Without hesitation, the restaurant employees stepped in to assist the deputies, helping them decontaminate from the effects of the tear gas. Their immediate and selfless actions are a powerful reminder of the importance of community partnerships and the mutual trust we strive to build through community policing."
"Thanks to the support and care provided by these individuals, the deputies were able to recover quickly and return to their duties to help restore order. The safety and well-being of our communities remain our highest priority. We are grateful for the compassion and support shown by our community, which strengthens our shared commitment to working together, fostering trust, and building safer neighborhoods for everyone."
In a notice posted to Pupuseria La Ceiba's review page, Yelp wrote: "This business recently received increased public attention, which often means people come to this page to post their views on the news. While we don't take a stand one way or the other when it comes to this incident, we've temporarily disabled the posting of content to this page as we work to investigate whether the content you see here reflects actual consumer experiences rather than the recent events. Please note that we apply this same policy regardless of the business and regardless of the topic at issue...If you're here to leave a review based on a first-hand experience with the business, please check back at a later date."
David C. wrote in a review on Yelp on June 9: "I haven't been to this establishment, but plan to the next time I'm in the neighborhood. These folks are kind, upstanding, American citizens and should be celebrated!"
Mary M. from Stockton, California, wrote on Yelp on June 9: "Truly amazing for what you and your business did to support our officers!! If I were local I would eat at your restaurant everyday for a week straight!! Sending my LA Family to you!!!"
Debbie B. from Banning, California, wrote on Yelp on June 9: "Thank you for your kindness to those who serve and protect. Your bravery does not go unnoticed. Stay safe and know that many appreciate what you do. I wish you much success in your business. You certainly deserve it. Be safe."
Julie P. from Meza, Arizona, wrote on Yelp on June 9: "I'm excited to try this place! Due to the kindness shown by the owner and staff to people hurt and in need of help, I want this restaurant to get loads of business!! When I watched the video, I was moved to tears. This establishment is deserving of LOTS of good karma! I wish you so much success!! Thank you!!!"
What Happens Next?
The National Guard will remain in Los Angeles ahead of mass national protests planned for June 14. Although there have been instances of looting and arson, the vast majority of protests in Los Angeles have been peaceful.