3 arrested after Homeland Security executes federal search warrants in Stillwater - Stillwater, OK - News Article Locations on Waymarking.com

El Vaquero Mexican restaurant in Stillwater was one of two businesses targeted with federal warrants by Homeland Security.
The restaurant is on the north side of Highway 51, west of S. Country Club Rd.


Article text:

Three people were arrested Wednesday in Stillwater after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and federal investigators executed multiple search warrants at locations across the city.

Officials with the U.S. District Attorneys Office told KOCO 5 that Homeland Security investigations agents raided two Mexican restaurants and a home in Stillwater.

"All of a sudden we heard, 'Get your hands up!' The cops just came in the restaurant with their guns and told everybody to put your hands up," said Vangeline Wilson, an employee at Palomino's. "My friend, she was crying. She wouldn't stop crying."

Wilson was inside Palomino's when she said federal agents rushed in and demanded identification.

"They scanned our names, said, 'Yeah, these guys are good to go.' There was probably, six, five of us," Wilson said.

Wilson was able to leave but still wonders if she has a job.

"I don't get paid and I have a family to take care of," Wilson told KOCO 5.

A lawyer for a person detained during the raid at the restaurant is working to find answers.

"The ICE officers wouldn't let me inside," said Jesse Gordon, with Gordon Law Firm. "They said that they were conducting a search warrant."

Simultaneously, Maria Gomez, an employee of 14 years at El Valquero restaurant, was arriving to work when federal agents were there. She said her father and her aunt were inside and were detained.

"We're hard workers. We never do anything wrong to people, so we provide jobs to people. So, I don't really know what this is about," Gomez said.

Officials with the U.S. District Attorney's Office weren't able to confirm the nature of the investigation.

"If they're searching for someone, there's no need to take everyone and not let us know where they are or what's going on with them," Gomez said.

ICE officials told KOCO 5 that the three people were arrested on immigration violations and will likely be transferred to ICE custody. Their names will not be released for privacy reasons.

Type of publication: Television When was the article reported?: 09/04/2019 Publication: KOCO News 5 Article Url: [Web Link] Is Registration Required?: no How widespread was the article reported?: regional News Category: Politics

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