ICE Operation at Kansas City Food Warehouse Results in 8 Detentions
On Thursday, July 10, 2026, ICE and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents conducted an enforcement operation at La Fontanella Foods, located at 8th and Highland streets in Kansas City's Historic Northeast. The operation began around 9:45 a.m. and agents departed by approximately 12:13 p.m. Witnesses and advocacy groups report that at least 8 workers were detained and transported in unmarked white vans. A worker stated that agents initially indicated no arrests would be made, but subsequently detained several people. Agents also removed boxes of documents and computers from the facility. Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forte stated that his office did not participate in the operation and that it was not an immigration raid, but rather the execution of a federal criminal search warrant. ICE described the operation as executing a "federal criminal search warrant." Local group Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation (AIRR) advised the community: Stay calm. Regardless of your immigration status, you have rights. You have the right to remain silent, the right not to sign documents or answer questions from authorities, and the right to ask to speak with your lawyer. This operation is part of increased ICE activity in Kansas City during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.