In Florida: Latino Bakery Owner Surrendered to ICE to Protect Employees

What began as a typical workday at a Guatemalan bakery in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, culminated in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation that has shaken the local community. The arrest of Jacob Zapeta Castro, the owner of El Quetzal Panadería y Cafetería, led to a heavy law enforcement presence and sparked a dispute between the official account of the authorities and the narrative presented by his family, employees, and advocacy groups.

According to The Palm Beach Post, over 20 ICE and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) agents deployed to the bakery on Lucerne Avenue. The operation, involving seven ICE vehicles and one FHP patrol car, cordoned off approximately two blocks and drew the attention of about 45 onlookers.

Reconstruction of the events suggests that Zapeta Castro, returning from a medical appointment with his children, noticed immigration agents near his business. He then proceeded to the bakery with the stated intention of protecting his workers and customers inside. Mariana Blanco, director of operations at the Guatemalan-Maya Center, asserted that Zapeta Castro possessed a valid work permit and driver's license.

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He chose to personally assume the consequences to protect those who worked with him.

Family and workers recount that the situation extended for several hours. N+ Univision reported that agents surrounded the building and informed Zapeta Castro that if he exited, those inside would not be detained. However, if he remained, ICE and FHP officers would enter and arrest the workers as well. His son, Gilmer Zapeta, explained that his father chose to face the consequences personally to shield his approximately ten employees from arrest.

According to this testimony, Jacob Zapeta voluntarily surrendered to prevent the detention of his staff. The workers further stated that negotiations between Zapeta Castro and the agents lasted nearly four hours before he ultimately left the building.

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The merchant had a valid work permit and a valid driver's license.