Don Pablo’s closed in Fergus Falls after reports of ICE activity

Don Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant in downtown Fergus Falls shut its doors Jan. 11, joining a second location in Detroit Lakes that posted a similar message, after reports circulated of Department of Homeland Security and ICE agents in Otter Tail County. The owners first announced the closure on Facebook as a family emergency and later confirmed the decision stemmed from the enforcement activity and a troubling phone call.

The restaurant’s owners said a male caller asked whether ICE agents were around and whether the restaurant was open; they told the caller they were open and had not seen anything. After discussing the call and the wider reports of federal agents in the area, they chose to close to protect customers and employees, telling local radio, “Because nobody is safe.” As of Sunday night, ICE agents had not entered the business, and the owners did not indicate when the restaurants will reopen.

The immediate impact is straightforward and local. Small, family-run restaurants in Otter Tail County operate on tight margins and depend on steady daily traffic from downtown workers, students and families. A sudden, indefinite closure can interrupt payroll, disrupt supplier relationships and reduce foot traffic for neighboring businesses that rely on cross-traffic. Employees who lost shifts face short-term income gaps at a time when hourly work remains critical for many households.

Beyond the storefront, this incident highlights broader community and policy questions. Federal immigration enforcement is handled by DHS and ICE, not by county authorities, but the visible prospect of enforcement can have a chilling effect on commerce and public life. In communities with mixed immigration status workforces, heightened enforcement periods have been linked to labor shortages in restaurants and agricultural operations and to temporary declines in consumer confidence. That dynamic is particularly relevant in a county where small businesses form the backbone of downtown economies.

For local policymakers and business groups, the situation underscores the importance of clear communication and contingency planning. City officials and chambers of commerce can help by coordinating with county law enforcement and by sharing verified safety updates so businesses can make informed operational decisions without relying on rumor. For restaurant owners, ensuring employees have access to pay and information during abrupt closures helps maintain staff retention and community trust.

Our two cents? Keep supporting local businesses while staying informed. If you work at or patronize a restaurant that closes unexpectedly, check directly with owners for verified updates and consider picking up takeout from other downtown spots when you can to keep the local economy moving.