Popular Olathe Mexican restaurant, K-Macho, has been shuttered, leaving long time customers blindsided. While the reasons for the sudden closure is unclear, it could be because of a request from the Department of Homeland Security to provide documentation that its workers are legal.
Although a worker told reporters that K-Macho abruptly closed “for renovations,” mandated by its insurance company, sources say the eatery was really closed after an immigration raid.
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A Homeland Security spokesperson said they have no comment due to an ongoing investigation. The signs on the restaurant’s doors offer apologies for any inconvenience, reading: “This location is currently closed due to renovations, we will be open soon.” The sign directs customers to the location in Overland Park, which is where FOX 4 went to try and find owner Armando Romero. The host at the K-Macho’s told O’Brien Romero was not there, and the manager quickly came to the front to see what was going on. h/t Fox4KC
While the Department of Homeland Security is not commenting on the investigation, a spokesperson for the agency, Shawn Neudauer, sent the following statement:
“K Macho restaurant in Olathe, Kansas, was recently served, via U.S. Mail, an official notice to submit all form I-9 documentation to HSI auditors for inspection. At no time did federal authorities enter the business, make any arrests or ask the business be closed.”
While immigration agents did not bust in the restaurant, it is what they call a desktop raid when Homeland Security Investigations requests this type of documentation.
Every U.S. employer is required to have an I-9 employee verification form for every person who works there, proving their legal status.
While the government does not shut down the business, an immigration expert, who is not involved with this case, told FOX 4 often after this type of request, people scatter and there are not enough employees left to keep the business open, so many temporarily close.
There have been no charges filed against Romero or anyone associated with K-Macho’s. At this point, it is just an investigation.