A popular food truck in Eagle Rock was momentarily abandoned Saturday after employees were sent running, fearing a possible immigration raid nearby.
An employee of the taco truck said the workers fled after spotting a suspicious vehicle and receiving a tip about immigration officials in the area.
The business was left unattended with warm plates, drinks and cash still inside the register.
“We only saw the car and that’s all. Before we could see them, we left,” said Miguel Romero, a cook at the food truck. “We are here out of necessity and well, nothing else to do but hide.”
Residents say the truck was bustling just hours before, until word spread of federal agents nearby.
“It could be anyone’s family. They’re just trying to make a living. It breaks your heart,” said Ron Davis, a witness.
The food truck employees are among the many communities put on edge due to the ongoing immigration enforcement operations across Southern California.
“I can’t imagine the terror that you must feel if you leave your house like you have a target,” said Catie Laffoon, who lives in Eagle Rock. “It’s heartbreaking. This is all over LA right now.”
The food truck shut down its operations hours after the scare.
“It’s getting complicated because we can’t work properly,” said Romero.
NBCLA has reached out to ICE and DHS but has not confirmed if there were any immigration enforcement operations in Eagle Rock on Saturday.