Archer Avenue in Garfield Ridge saw a large turnout Saturday as residents from across Chicago visited A Cup of Joe Coffeehouse to support the business after it faced backlash for criticizing immigration enforcement. The coffee shop, located at 6806 W. Archer Ave., drew lines of customers down the block following harassment and threats related to a social media post by an employee critical of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In response to the backlash, A Cup of Joe maintained its stance and organized a rally, pledging to donate half its proceeds from Saturday to the Street Vendors Association of Chicago, which supports immigrant vendors who may be avoiding immigration agents.
The event attracted hundreds of supporters. Some had to be turned away at closing time due to the high turnout. The management stated on social media, “We refuse to be bullied. We will stand up in the face of injustice.”
The controversy began when an employee posted criticism of ICE on social media. According to the business, these messages were shared in local Facebook groups, leading some neighbors to demand an apology and the firing of the employee. When those demands were refused, the business reported being “targeted and harassed” with negative reviews, threats involving city inspectors, and calls for a boycott.
A statement from management read: “All this for simply taking a firm stance against the illegal actions by a rogue government agency (ICE). Make no mistake, this is not about just our employee. This is about censorship from the side that calls for freedom. They are hypocrites. Just because our views don’t align that doesn’t make you right and us wrong.”
A Cup of Joe announced Friday that it would hold Saturday’s fundraiser as both a show of strength and support for immigrant street vendors.
Among those waiting outside was Sheri Winkler, a teacher at William F. Finkl Academy near Garfield Ridge, who had never previously visited A Cup of Joe but waited over an hour after learning there might be protests by ICE supporters. Winkler said: “It makes me really happy. It makes me feel really hopeful,” adding that while she found it positive people showed up in solidarity, she was concerned about why such action was necessary given current political tensions.
Members of Gage Park Cyclists also attended in support; Gil Campos noted he had lived in Garfield Ridge his whole life and wanted to “come out and show support and be positive.” Local resident Michelle Seacor highlighted past experiences with hateful rhetoric directed toward Hispanic and Latino families in Garfield Ridge, stating: “We live here too. We pay taxes, and for the most part, we love our neighbors,” adding that what happened was “blatant racism” that should not go unchallenged.
Security staff limited entry into A Cup of Joe as capacity filled up throughout Saturday afternoon.
State Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar referenced federal enforcement activity during Operation Midway Blitz in Southwest Side neighborhoods with large Latino populations. She commented: “We understand everybody has political opinions and they’re different, but there’s no need to be expressive about your racism or discrimination or show hate towards anybody, right? Don’t do this to our businesses… They pay taxes and they pay rent. They support our local community.”
A Cup of Joe opened its first location in Garfield Ridge in 2019 before expanding into Pilsen in 2023. Ownership did not provide comment on Saturday but shared online their intention to build a “thriving small business” benefiting Garfield Ridge.
The owners added on social media: “Canceling our small business or anyone for that matter for simply expressing their right to freedom of speech is un-American.”
