Immigration enforcement has returned to the forefront in the nation’s capital, and even media elites are not exempt. On Tuesday, federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) initiated a series of workplace inspections, including a notable visit to **Chef Geoff’s**, a restaurant owned by **CBS News anchor Norah O’Donnell’s husband**, Geoff Tracy.
In a renewed effort to enforce America’s immigration laws—following years of lenient enforcement during the Biden administration—ICE officers inspected at least nine restaurants throughout Washington, D.C., requesting **I-9 forms** to confirm that employees are legally authorized to work in the United States. Among the establishments targeted were popular venues such as **Millie’s, Officina, Pupatella**, and **Call Your Mother**—many of which are well-known in the city’s affluent liberal neighborhoods.
At Chef Geoff’s, agents dedicated approximately 90 minutes to examining employment records, although no arrests occurred on the premises. The restaurant is part of a small, upscale chain that is often frequented by Beltway elites.
This operation was not a random occurrence. The raid coincides with President Trump’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reinstating its stringent approach to immigration enforcement—an approach that emphasizes adherence to the law over political considerations. The latest DHS policy even provides **$1,000 in travel assistance** to undocumented immigrants who choose to return to their home countries voluntarily, indicating a significant effort to **encourage self-deportation** rather than relying on expensive and contentious detentions.
“If you are residing here unlawfully, self-deportation represents the most effective, secure, and economical method to exit the United States and evade arrest,” stated DHS Secretary **Kristi Noem** on Monday. “DHS is currently providing financial travel assistance and a stipend for illegal aliens to return to their home countries via the CBP Home App.”
In Washington D.C., not all are pleased with the resurgence of federal immigration enforcement—particularly the city’s liberal leadership. Democrat Mayor **Muriel Bowser**, a long-time advocate of sanctuary policies, voiced her dissatisfaction with the federal crackdown.
“It appears they are not focusing on criminals,” Bowser lamented, disregarding the fundamental legality of employing undocumented workers. “It is causing disruption,” she continued, specifying that D.C.’s police were not participating in the operations.
Simultaneously, restaurant owners rushed to handle the unexpected inspections. At **Millie’s**, the owner reported that he refused ICE agents access to his staff, although officials did not escalate the matter. Other establishments noted more collaborative interactions, with some proprietors being notified of impending inspections beforehand.
The subtle yet resolute reintroduction of workplace enforcement indicates that **America’s immigration system is once again progressing towards law and order**. While the Biden administration has devoted years to weakening immigration enforcement in favor of so-called “equity” and open-border policies, the American populace—largely supportive of **legal immigration and robust borders**—is witnessing a transformation.
Indeed, when even the spouse of a **prominent media figure such as Norah O’Donnell** is not spared, it conveys a distinct message: **under a DHS led by Trump, no individual is above the law.**
As this initiative gains momentum, one fact is evident: **illegal employment, regardless of the sophistication of the dining establishment, is ultimately being held responsible.**
