An Arizona restaurant owner is taking a stand for law enforcement — and doing it the old-fashioned way, with food and gratitude. Newsmax reported that Jorge Rivas, owner of Sammy’s Mexican Grill, offers free meals to police officers, including agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, because, as he put it, “we feel the need to say thank you.” Radical idea these days: appreciating the people who protect you.
Rivas, a native of El Salvador, said on Newsmax2’s “Ike Wingate America” that his restaurant has welcomed law enforcement for about five years, even as activists try to pressure businesses into cutting ties with ICE. He said he noticed early on how badly officers were being treated and decided to do something about it.
“When we call 911, we expect someone to come blazing, ready to defend you, ready to help you,” Rivas said. “And nowadays, we see so many people interfering with their work… pushing them, kicking them.” But at his restaurant, officers are met with respect — and sometimes a free meal.
Rivas made clear the food isn’t charity. “They can get a free meal, not because we think they can’t afford it,” he explained. “It’s just because we feel the need to say thank you. We’re thankful, we’re grateful for who you are, what you do.” Imagine that: gratitude instead of hashtags.
He also pointed out that Americans can argue about immigration policy without turning law enforcement into villains. “We can disagree on what is good and what is bad, or the laws need to be adjusted,” he said. “That’s a whole different issue. But that doesn’t give anyone the green light to be abusive or try to hurt them.”
A report from 13 News said Sammy’s policy went viral after “ICE Out” protests in Tucson, where some businesses reportedly closed or posted signs barring ICE agents without a warrant. The attention exploded after someone asked Rivas if his free-meal offer included ICE. His answer? “Yes, of course.”
With that came backlash — angry phone calls and negative online reviews — but also strong support from customers. Rivas said the mood has shifted. “At the beginning, we had a lot of negativity,” he said. “But in the last few days… a lot of great patriots coming over.”
He added that many Americans privately support law enforcement but are afraid to say so out loud. “Some people are afraid to say what is right,” Rivas said. “But we’re not afraid.”
And that’s the real takeaway here: while some shout and cancel, others quietly stand up for the men and women enforcing the law. A small restaurant in Arizona just reminded the country that respect, courage, and a little gratitude still go a long way — and that’s something worth celebrating.
