TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A protest supporting Chile and Chili’s, a staple in the Tallahassee community, drew many people out Wednesday after the business announced it was closing down its food truck.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Chile and Chili’s food truck on West Tennessee Street Wednesday evening following the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainment of three employees.
“I’m a Tallahassee girl born and raised,” Lilith Smith, a protester, said. “Chile and Chili’s is a wonderful business, the best tacos and pozole in town. These are our neighbors and people that cooked our food, so I’m here to show support.”
This comes after three people were detained outside the business last Friday, with a now-viral video showing what transpired.
Following the arrest of its employees, the business announced the closure of its food truck.
WCTV spoke to Marco Tenorio, the owner of Chile and Chili’s. His responses were translated from Spanish by a WCTV employee.
“On one end, it’s the sadness of closing this business that was once always full and enjoying how so many people enjoyed our food,” Tenorio said. “On the other hand, the situation of my employees that are detained, we are working hard trying to do everything possible so that we can help them move forward.”
More Tallahassee news:
Tenorio said it meant a lot to him to see the community rally around his business and employees, and said they are grateful for the support.
“I appreciate the entire Tallahassee community,” Tenorio said. “This business was born here, grew right and will to continue to grow.”
Tenorio said they are simply taking a break and rethinking what’s next because they don’t want to put any of their workers at risk.
He said they are also looking for other ways to operate after their food truck workers who are here legally quit.
Protesters said their support for the business will continue.
“My heart is full,” Smith said. “I’m proud of Tallahassee.”
WCTV reached out to Homeland Security Investigations numerous times since Monday for additional information and confirmation of the arrests but had not received a response as of yet.
To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Nextdoor and X (Twitter).
Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here. Please include the article’s headline in your message.
Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here to get started.
Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.
