Restaurant with sign banning ICE becomes center of conflict with federal agency: ‘Stop lying’
By Garner Montgomery
Published: Jan. 10, 2026 at 5:24 AM CST
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) - Conflict between law enforcement and activists erupted outside a Tennessee restaurant after a group of National Guard members was asked to leave the property.
Local police were at the scene Sunday night, along with dozens of Memphis Safe Task Force members, outside Da Sammich Spot on Park Avenue.
The restaurant has a sign posted banning ICE agents.
Video shared by one of the activists protesting the National Guard’s presence showed troops standing by the sidewalk after being asked to leave the property and before more reinforcements arrived.
Dozens of National Guard and Memphis Safe Task Force members were eventually witnessed at the scene.
Tyler Foster, with Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope, said the restaurant owner has been outspoken against the Memphis Safe Task Force and argued that the owner had every right to ask them to leave.
“He did not feel comfortable with them directly in front of his business. Their presence was very clear to people passing by, potential customers, so he just politely asked them to step away from his business,” Foster said. “The fact that they brought in dozens of additional federal agents and MPD stood idly by and even facilitated the federal agents’ presence on the premises just shows that this is not about safety.”
Foster said the protesters were threatened with a disorderly conduct charge by Memphis police.
In response to a post on X, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said the National Guard troops were using the location as a staging area.
ICE also disputed the claims about intimidation measures outside the restaurant.
“Stop lying for clicks,” the agency wrote.
Memphis police were called as a protective measure as crowds started to gather.
The owner of Da Sammich Spot said their restaurant has received strong support from the community following the incident and has had to take some items off the menu due to growing demand.
