Mount Vernon's Panchos Tacos reopens after ICE raid - Spectrum News

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Nearly five months after Homeland Security Investigations officials raided a Mexican restaurant in Mount Vernon, Ohio, owners said the business has officially reopened.

The raid happened on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2026 at Panchos Tacos in the morning hours before the business opened for the day. The City of Mount Vernon stated it did not know about the operation until after it happened.

"The City of Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon Police Department, and the Office of the Law Director did not receive communication or coordination from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials regarding the timing, scope or nature of this operation," the city wrote in a statement. The city followed up a day after, stating it learned the raid was performed by HSI, and not ICE.

It's not confirmed how many were arrested or detained, but Panchos Tacos closed temporarily following the incident on Oct. 10. The city said it was an ongoing crimincal investigation, as classified by HSI. Then in November, the restaurant said it had plans to reopen, but didn't say when and that it was hiring new workers.

But on Tuesday, the restaurant announced on social media that it was back in businesses.

"There were moments we didn’t know what the future was going to look like," Panchos Tacos wrote in a Facebook post. "But this place was built on family, sacrifice and hard work. We’re still here. Panchos Tacos is now back open. Thank you all for your continued support and hope to see you all soon."