Community rallies for Kennewick food truck owner allegedly detained by ICE

KENNEWICK, Wash. – Community members are supporting a local food truck owner who ICE allegedly detained. His wife, Gabby Gomez, shared the story, hoping to bring him home.

Sergio Cerdio Gomez and Gabby own Hibachi Explosion, a food truck on Clearwater Avenue. Gabby explained that Sergio had been pursuing U.S. citizenship for over three years when he was unexpectedly detained during what they believed was a citizenship interview in Yakima.

“We showed up, they called him back, I set up with him,” Gabby said. “They were like, ‘Nope, you can wait out here.’ I said, ‘Okay.’ He went back. About 30 minutes later, an ICE officer came out and told me that he was taken into custody for a warrant.”

NonStop Local contacted ICE about Sergio’s detention, but has not heard back. 

Gabby posted about the situation on Facebook on April 24, drawing attention and support from the community. 

Alfonso Ortiz, a local resident, visited the food truck for the first time after learning about the incident. 

“I saw on Facebook what happened,” Ortiz said. “I think it was messed up, and so there’s nothing I could do but help support them. Hopefully the money goes a long way.”

Susan Sword, another concerned citizen, expressed her thoughts on the situation. 

“There’s people that are trying to come in and trying to do it right. And when they go in and nab people the way they’re doing it, I think it just doesn’t encourage people to do it the right way,” Sword said.

Gabby emphasized the significance of community support during this challenging time.

“I just hope that spreading the word that the community is doing will just help bring him home,” Gabby said.

NonStop Local reached out to ICE via email to confirm Sergio’s detention, but has not gotten a response.