A popular restaurant in New Jersey, La Pupusa Loca, is facing serious business losses after a viral TikTok video falsely claimed there was an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at one of its sister locations. The restaurant’s owner, Elio Barrera, has denied the claims, calling the video a hoax. Despite this, the damage has already been done, as many customers have been avoiding the establishment out of fear.
No ICE Raid Took Place
Elio Barrera, the owner of La Pupusa Loca, expressed his shock when he saw the misleading video circulating on social media. The video claimed that ICE officers had stormed one of his restaurants and forcibly detained customers. However, Barrera clarified that no such event ever happened at any of his businesses.
“There was no ICE raid here or at any of our other businesses that are associated with La Pupusa Loca,” he stated.
New Jersey State Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez also confirmed that the claims were false. He urged people to rely on trustworthy sources for information and not believe everything they see on social media.
“Now more than ever, it is our duty to stay informed with the most valid information,” Rodriguez said.
Fear Spreads in the Community
The viral hoax has caused unnecessary panic, especially among communities with large immigrant populations. Many people fear ICE raids due to the possibility of deportation or legal troubles, even when they have done nothing wrong. Rodriguez emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it, as false claims can have serious consequences.
“Because it affects the community, and obviously it affects business owners,” he added.
A Decline in Business
The impact on La Pupusa Loca has been devastating. Barrera mentioned that many customers have stayed away since the video spread. The restaurant, which has been a staple in West New York since 1989, has never been this empty.
“We felt it. We felt it. Like, the restaurant had never been this lonely,” he said.
The restaurant, originally opened by Barrera’s grandparents, has been a family-owned business for decades. It has served as a welcoming place for locals, especially those from the Salvadoran community.
A Business Built on Family and Trust
For Barrera, La Pupusa Loca is more than just a restaurant—it’s his second home. Having grown up in the business, he feels deeply hurt by the false claims.
“It gets me very emotional and angry as well, what the true motive of this person was to, you know, mention a business. We’re a family business,” he said.
His grandparents, who were immigrants themselves, built La Pupusa Loca to serve their community and provide a safe, welcoming environment. Barrera wants people to know that the restaurant remains a safe space for everyone.
“I want people to realize that we are here for them. I want them to feel like this is a safe zone,” he reassured.
The false claim about an ICE raid at La Pupusa Loca shows how quickly misinformation can spread on social media and harm businesses. Despite the owner’s efforts to clear up the confusion, fear has already driven away customers. This incident highlights the need for people to verify information before sharing it.
Local businesses, especially those run by immigrants, are deeply connected to their communities and should not suffer because of baseless rumors. La Pupusa Loca continues to welcome customers and hopes to regain the trust of those who were misled by the viral hoax.
