Durham, NC – Shoppers at Compare Foods on Avondale Drive in Durham experienced unease recently after rumors of an ICE raid circulated due to a hoax. The incident, involving a truck resembling an ICE vehicle, sparked fear within the community.
Surveillance footage captured a truck bearing a logo similar to that of ICE. Eyewitness accounts from Compare Foods employees indicated an individual in uniform was also present. This combination of factors led to the rapid spread of rumors about an immigration raid targeting the store. However, authorities have confirmed that the entire event was a prank.
The image of the truck quickly spread across social media platforms, amplifying anxiety within the local community. Rosie De Leon, a Durham resident originally from Mexico for eight years and a Compare Foods shopper, voiced her concerns. “It’s disheartening that individuals would exploit the current climate of fear within our community for their amusement. These actions only serve to escalate panic among the public,” she stated.
This incident occurred against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s announcement regarding the reclassification of certain locations, including schools and churches, as no longer exempt from ICE enforcement actions. This policy shift has heightened anxieties among immigrant communities nationwide.
In response to these broader concerns, Durham Mayor Leo Williams recently reaffirmed the city’s commitment to supporting its immigrant population. Speaking to local news, Mayor Williams emphasized, “Durham taxpayers do not fund the Durham Police Department to act as an extension of ICE.”
Customers at Compare Foods expressed solidarity with their neighbors, with Durham resident Aniya McNeil stating, “Even within my school, despite the absence of actual ICE raids or deportations, the topic is heavily discussed. To drive around and incite fear, especially when Hispanic neighborhoods are already experiencing heightened anxiety, is incomprehensible to me.”
Compare Foods management has taken the incident seriously, filing a police report and pursuing legal action against those responsible for the hoax. In a statement shared on Instagram, the store articulated their concerns: “The most troubling aspect is the malicious intent behind these actions, designed to disseminate fear and misinformation during a period of vulnerability and sensitivity for our community. Fear, particularly in these uncertain times, can spread rapidly.” Compare Foods reiterated their dedication to maintaining a secure and welcoming environment for all customers at their Durham location.
The Durham Police Department acknowledged the incident, confirming that Compare Foods reported the situation and the ensuing rumors on Thursday, January 23rd. In an official statement, the department clarified: “Compare Foods management reported this to Durham Police on Thursday, January 23 along with rumors being posted online about potential ICE raids of their store. The truck involved is not an ICE vehicle. We do not have any additional information available at this time.”
Impersonating law enforcement officers, including ICE agents, is a recognized offense. It remains unclear whether any charges will be filed in connection with this particular incident at Compare Foods Durham.
