For nearly two decades, Taqueria Guerrero has served as more than just a restaurant. Since opening after Hurricane Katrina, it’s been a place of comfort, culture, and community in the heart of New Orleans. Its red pozole and tacos drew food lovers from across the city—but what kept them coming back was the sense of belonging.

On November 30, 2025, Taqueria Guerrero shut its doors indefinitely—not because of a storm, but because of fear. Fear of immigration raids by U.S. Border Patrol that spread panic through the city’s immigrant neighborhoods. Like many small, immigrant-owned businesses, the taqueria couldn’t keep serving with agents reportedly sweeping the area. Their statement was heartbreaking: “The safety, dignity and peace of mind of our staff and our community mean more to us than anything.”

The human cost of these raids is immense. Families are being separated. Children are afraid to go to school. Workers who helped rebuild New Orleans after Katrina are now being pushed out of the city they helped save. This isn’t justice. It’s cruelty disguised as enforcement.

We are calling on the following officials to take immediate action:

• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS): End all enforcement raids in Southeast Louisiana and adopt humane, community-based immigration policies.
• Governor Jeff Landry: Refuse to allow Louisiana state resources—like troopers, jails, or data systems—to support ICE operations. Use your office to advocate for safe, inclusive communities.
• Mayor LaToya Cantrell: Strengthen New Orleans’ commitment as a sanctuary city by publicly opposing ICE raids and ensuring no city agency cooperates with immigration enforcement.

Let Taqueria Guerrero reopen without fear. Let every immigrant in New Orleans know this city stands with them.

Sign this petition to show your support for this beloved taqueria, for its staff, and for immigrant families across Louisiana who deserve dignity, safety, and peace.

Photo: Enan Chediak, The Times-Picayune