Closed-for-now Tacos El Nevado in Charlotte plans to reopen with security measures

· Charlotte, North Carolina Local News · By ReportWire

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Border Patrol in Charlotte

U.S. Border Patrol began making rounds in Charlotte on Saturday morning.

This follows recent Border Patrol activity in Chicago that made headlines, with some reports alleging agents violated people’s rights.

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Many Latin-owned restaurants in Charlotte have temporarily closed their doors as the U.S. Border Patrol has roamed the streets for days, making more than 250 arrests. Now, one is planning to reopen — with a few changes meant to help protect employees and customers.

Tacos El Nevado, a Mexican restaurant with Charlotte locations on Central and South avenues, is hoping to welcome patrons back as early as Friday.

Christopher Santiago, a family member of the restaurant owners, spoke with CharlotteFive outside the Central Avenue location, saying: “I know things are a little tough right now, especially with my Hispanic community, but just in general everywhere right now.

“We’re facing a hardship, and I just want to let you guys know that we’ll be opening our doors soon. We just need to make sure that the way we do it, it’s safe for our community. So if you see changes in the business, it’s due to that reason,” he said.

A medium, eye-level portrait of a restaurant worker wearing a black polo shirt, standing with hands clasped behind their back and a serious expression. The worker is standing in front of a glass storefront, with a sign overhead prominently reading “TACOS” in red letters.
Chris Santiago, general manager of the South End location of Tacos El Nevado, stands in front of the Central Avenue location. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

Santago asked customers to show support and understanding, noting that the U.S. Border Patrol presence in Charlotte is “affecting everybody.”

“So if you aren’t aware, well, this is my voice to you, to raise that awareness and to, you know, give us a little bit of your support in any way possible — not just here, but in all the other Hispanic businesses that are on this area, around any location at this point — because it’s affecting the whole United States.”

When Tacos El Nevado reopens, a worker will stay at the door, screening people coming inside.

“So, yeah, our doors will be locked. Door Dash offers are still going to be open, but we will be very thorough checking who’s coming in, more than anything. Just be patient and understanding about that situation,” Santiago said.

“We always have a smile on our faces, no matter the hardship. Just come in, show support, and thank you guys for everything. Appreciate that.”

Alex Cason contributed reporting.

A full-body, eye-level shot of a restaurant worker wearing a black polo shirt and dark pants, standing in an asphalt parking lot. The worker is positioned in front of the red brick exterior of a business whose main sign reads “TACOS” in large red letters. A “MINISUPER” sign is also visible on the right side of the building.
Chris Santiago, a family member of the Tacos El Nevado owners, stands in front of the Central Avenue location. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

Location: 4715 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205

Location: 4640 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28209

Menu

Cuisine: Mexican

Instagram: @tacosnevado

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