A journalist known for his taco expertise at a Texas publication recently faced some trouble with law enforcement during his travels. Jose Larratto, who writes for Texas Monthly, shared on Instagram that he was stopped multiple times by local police and federal officials in West Texas.
It all started on a Friday while he was driving on a highway with a colleague. Local police pulled them over in Alpine, alleging he was speeding—about five miles over the limit, they said. Larratto firmly denied being in violation, believing it was an unjustified stop.
Later that same day, he and his co-worker encountered ICE agents, who approached in full tactical gear and began questioning them. “Finally it happened. I was able to meet an ICE officer face to face,” he mentioned in an Instagram video, expressing a mix of disbelief and frustration.
The ICE agents requested identification and held them for approximately 30 minutes before letting them go with a warning, though Larratto was unsure what the warning was even about. Shortly after, they were pulled over again, this time by Texas Department of Public Safety agents.
These officers suspected they were driving at 117 mph in a 70 mph zone, a claim Larratto dismissed, insisting his cruise control was set at the speed limit.
During this encounter, he noted that they were again not asked for anything beyond ID and were released with another warning. Reflecting on these experiences, he expressed feelings of anger and anxiety, stating, “Yesterday was the worst. I’m angry and upset. I can’t wait for this to be over.”
Larratto speculated that their background might have played a role in the multiple stops, saying, “I want everyone to be careful. This is real and it’s scary.” He underscored an unsettling notion that those enforcing the law were just like him and his colleague, both in appearance and experience.
This incident has surfaced amidst growing scrutiny of ICE’s actions nationwide, further fueled by recent events related to protests and civil unrest.
A representative from Texas Monthly indicated that Larratto would share more about his experience in an upcoming personal account in the magazine.
Interestingly, Larratto is not only known for his taco-related writing; he was named Texas Monthly’s first national taco editor in 2019. This unique role allows him to explore taco and Mexican food culture throughout Texas, contributing significantly to the discourse on these subjects.
His extensive career includes a notable column and blog called “Taco Trail” from his time at the Dallas Observer, where he documented the state’s taco culture. Larratto has received national recognition for his work, including James Beard Media Awards, and has authored a commendable book titled *American Tacos: A History and Guide*. Additionally, he appears in Netflix’s series “Taco Chronicles,” showcasing his undeniable passion for tacos and Mexican culinary traditions.
