4 food truck companies face online backlash following their services at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
OCHOPEE FLA WSVN A TikTok video showing four food trucks enter the new immigration detention center dubbed Alligator Alcatraz on its opening day sparked online outrage As of Thursday night the video gained more than four million views and comments as the facility is criticized for environmental and humanitarian concerns Are they seriously celebrating with food from the very people they are locking up there revealed an outraged commenter Is this a joke They re not really bringing Mexican food for the guards to eat in front of the deportees commented another The outrage continued to grow with one person even posting a call to action to boycott all of these companies The virality prompted the companies to respond hurriedly each one posting statements to social media Churromania a popular chain known for its intercultural churros mentioned it s an international company founded by immigrants and created jobs for immigrant families It went on to say in a message We take full responsibility for how this looked That s why we re moving fast to reinforce internal processes and brand oversight to make sure anything tied to our name clearly reflects what we veritably stand for Ms Cheezious a popular Miami sandwich truck that was also spotted Tuesday reported Ms Cheezious food truck was approached by a tragedy response company to aid in providing meals for progressing provision members stationed at the immigration site Contrary to misleading online narratives our presence was not part of any celebration or grand opening and we are not engaged in ongoing services there Kona Ice a shaved ice truck commented one of its franchisees was booked through an unknown agency and reported Our brand exists to bring a moment of happiness and we recognize the importance of ensuring that mission is never misinterpreted Kona Ice as a brand remains firmly committed to fostering inclusion positivity and togetherness Elote Lovers a Mexican street food and corn truck posted a comment on social media that announced We do not aid condone or align ourselves with any form of oppression abuse or injustice We never have and never will But intent does not erase harm and for the hurt we ve caused we are truly deeply sorry The food trucks were seen on the same day Florida Gov Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump toured the facility after crews worked fast to set up the immigration detention center in just eight days All four companies involved claim their participation was not an endorsement and that they do not have a political agenda The companies also stated they are changing their policies of how their services are booked
