‘Malicious' hoax leads to rumors of ICE immigration raid at Durham grocery store
An apparent prank ICE raid targeted a Durham grocery store last week, raising fears among shoppers that an immigration sweep was taking place.
Rumors flew on social media about an Immigration Customs and Enforcement raid at the Super Compare Foods store on Avondale Drive after people dressed in uniforms using a vehicle that looked like a border patrol pickup were seen in the parking lot.
In social media posts on Friday, Super Compare Foods said the vehicle and people were associated with a 2021 parody called Thot Patrol. But store management called it a harmful 'prank' that was 'deeply irresponsible and has caused unnecessary fear in our community.'
'What's most concerning is these actions were carried out with clear malicious intent, aimed at spreading fear and misinformation in a time when our community is already in a fragile and sensitive climate,' Super Compare Foods said in a statement Friday. 'Fear, especially in such uncertain times, can spread like wildfire, and we are committed to standing against those who seek to exploit these vulnerabilities.'
Super Compare Foods said it's addressed the incident by filing a report with Durham Police. Store management said it will pursue legal action against the individuals responsible.
'Our priority remains providing a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for our customers and community,' Super Compare Foods said in its statement. 'We deeply regret any distress this incident may have caused and appreciate your trust in us.'
Durham Police told ABC11, The News & Observer's news partner, that Super Compare Foods management reported the incident on Thursday, along with rumors being posted online about potential ICE raids of their store.
'The truck involved is not an ICE vehicle,' Durham Police told ABC11. 'We do not have any additional information available at this time.'
The hoax comes as President Donald Trump acts on his campaign promise to carry out 'the largest deportation operation in history.' ICE has conducted raids across the country over the past week and begun deporting people on military flights.
The Trump Administration rescinded guidance which had kept immigration raids from occurring at 'sensitive' locations such as schools, universities, churches and weddings.
In response, UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee Roberts told faculty on Friday the university will 'follow the law' and 'comply with any requests from law enforcement' regarding students whom ICE agents may seek, The N&O previously reported.
The fear of deportation is higher at stores such as Super Compare Foods, which posted its message about the hoax in Spanish and English.
'It's sad people would try and take advantage of the situation and the fear within the community right now, and these kinds of antics only embolden people to create more panic in the public.,' Rosie De Leon, a Durham resident and Super Compare Foods customer, told ABC11.
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