Sergio Garcia, a prominent chef in Waco, Texas, who built a reputable business over thirty-five years and had the distinction of catering for former President George W. Bush, faced an abrupt end to his American dream. In March, Garcia was deported to Mexico following an arrest linked to a deportation order dating back to 1989. The incident occurred as he was loading his food truck when plainclothes officers approached and took him into custody.
The deportation of Garcia, owner of Sergio's Food Truck, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents within 24 hours of his arrest, left the Waco community reeling. His business was not just a source of Mexican cuisine but also a symbol of his charitable spirit, especially towards budding entrepreneurs. Floyd Colley, who benefited from Garcia’s generosity when starting the Brazos Bike Lounge, was among the many locals stunned by the news, stating, "I wouldn’t have a shop if it weren’t for Sergio."
The story of Garcia's journey to the United States is one of aspiration, beginning with his entry into the country in 1989 at the age of 29, seeking better opportunities after facing stagnant wages at a construction company in Veracruz. With a passport and visa in hand, he arrived legally but eventually overstayed his welcome, during a time when visa violations were considered minor administrative infractions.
Starting in local restaurant kitchens, Garcia's culinary talents shone through, leading him to become a chef and entrepreneur. He met his wife Sandra, also from Mexico, while working at the Brazos Queen II riverboat restaurant. Their partnership flourished into a successful business venture, starting with food sold to soccer players and culminating in the opening of their first restaurant, El Siete Mares, in 1995.
El Siete Mares soon became a hub for the press corps and locals alike, particularly following President Bush's election in 2000. Despite facing economic hardships that led to the closure of their restaurant in 2011, the Garcias bounced back with a new establishment and food truck by 2013, showcasing the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that defines many American success stories.
Yet, behind the scenes, the Garcias faced an ongoing legal battle to secure their status in the U.S., spending significant sums on various immigration attorneys. Unfortunately, a mishandling by one lawyer resulted in a deportation order in 2002, which ICE did not act upon until this year.
Susan Nelson, an immigration attorney, shed light on the harsh realities of current enforcement policies, explaining that community contributions are no longer considered in deportation cases. ICE officials justified their actions by describing Garcia as a "twice-deported criminal alien from Mexico," emphasizing that he had received full due process and had been an "immigration fugitive" for over 23 years.
The case has sparked debate on social media, with one tweet from Mark Hemingway questioning the sympathy being shown to Garcia, highlighting his failure to legalize his status despite ample time and opportunities.
