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It seems like each day new reports concerning ICE keep surfacing. Recently, a TikTok video showing an Uber Eats driver being detained by immigration officers in Washington, D.C., has left many viewers disturbed. The incident was recorded in a TikTok video posted by a man named Tyler, who had been waiting for his food order on 8th Street in Shaw. Tyler said that when his driver’s location froze in the delivery app just a few blocks away, he stepped outside to check. Instead of a simple late delivery issue, he found ICE agents surrounding the man’s moped.
At first, officers claimed there was a problem with the license plate. But after checking, they admitted the paperwork and insurance were all in order. Things changed, Tyler explained, once they realized the man spoke Arabic and struggled with English. “They detained him anyway,” he said, adding that he even suggested using a translator app but was ignored. The video only showed the officers putting the man in handcuffs, but Tyler later stated, “They walked him to the back of the car and they put him in chains like he was an animal — around his waist, around his hands, and around his ankles.” He also said the situation was a clear case of profiling, adding, “He was delivering food. You guys pulled him over because you profiled him, not because his plate was wrong.”
Tyler Warns Washington, D.C., Residents to Pause Ordering Food Online
In a follow-up video, Tyler urged people to stop using food delivery apps for now. “Please don’t use food delivery services right now because ICE and other agencies are targeting drivers on mopeds and bikes with food bags on the back,” he warned. Instead, he suggested people pick up their food directly from restaurants to avoid putting drivers at risk.
What Netizens Are Saying About the Washington, D.C., Uber Eats Driver’s Arrest
Hundreds of comments under Tyler’s posts expressed sympathy for the Uber Eats driver and anger toward the ICE agents. “My heart breaks for him,” one person wrote. Another said, “All this for what? Now these people can’t even support their families.”
Some criticized the way the arrest was handled. “Why are police officers allowed to wear masks?” one commenter asked. A second said, “Chase the real criminals, not an honest man who’s working,” while a third added, “Not safe to do Uber anymore.” Several also thanked Tyler for sharing the video, with one netizen writing, “Thank you for using your voice and platform.” Another reassured him, “I know you feel horrible. Not your fault.”