Restaurant Owner Aids Injured Officer During LA Riots
Elizabeth Mendoza, who owns a Salvadoran restaurant, found herself in the thick of the chaotic protests in Los Angeles, stepping in to help a police officer injured during the turmoil. Despite feeling some empathy for the protesters, she emphasized the humanity of everyone involved.
“They’re humans,” Mendoza remarked about the injured officer, recalling how she and her staff brought him into her restaurant, La Ceiba in Compton, to take cover during the unrest.
According to her, the officers were simply doing their jobs, trying to safeguard the community. It’s important to recognize that, she believes.
Mendoza, along with other local Hispanic workers, expressed frustration over the rioters’ methods, particularly pointing out that violence and destruction wouldn’t accomplish anything meaningful. “Spray painting and all this damage, no one can help,” said Pedro Perez, who works nearby.
He noted how many of the businesses affected belong to Hispanic owners, voicing a sentiment that resonated with others. “The whole point is to unite, and you guys are damaging your own people’s businesses. I think that’s misguided,” he added.
The day became increasingly intense as Mendoza navigated the area, witnessing the growing hostility between law enforcement and protesters upset over recent mass arrests of undocumented immigrants by ICE.
As tensions flared, several sheriff’s deputies staggered into La Ceiba, seeking refuge from a wave of tear gas. Mendoza quickly joined her staff to assist the officers, using milk to help soothe their burning eyes.
This incident, where community members of Hispanic descent came to the aid of law enforcement amidst the protests, drew significant attention online. Mendoza, a U.S. citizen who moved from El Salvador three decades ago, expressed her support for the protesters’ cause but firmly denounced looting and violence as ineffective methods.
“Things should be handled properly. That’s not the right way to resolve issues,” she commented, emphasizing a more constructive approach to activism.
Mendoza noted that many protesters came from her community and worked together to protect her restaurant from destruction. “There were many people looking out for the restaurant. Most of the protesters around here feel like family, so we kept the place safe,” she stated.
However, not all local businesses were so fortunate. Mendoza hopes for a resolution to the unrest, expressing concern over ICE’s actions that threaten to dismantle families in pursuit of the American dream. “I want peace in this situation, ensuring that we’re not deporting individuals just looking for a better life,” she remarked, pointing out that deportations should target those truly causing harm.
The riots in LA erupted after ICE conducted several raids, spurring protests that ultimately reached the Downtown Detention Center. Following outbreaks of violence, National Guard troops were deployed by President Trump in an effort to restore order.
