Compton restaurant workers awarded for helping injured deputies during ICE protests

Sunday, September 28, 2025
COMPTON, Calif. (KABC) -- This week, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department honored the workers of a Compton restaurant for helping deputies in need during U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests in Compton this past June.

The employees of Restaurante Y Pupuseria La Ceiba flushed the eyes of Deputy Shawn Johnson and Deputy Tara Crutchfield after they had been exposed to a tear gas deployed by federal agents.

Restaurant workers seen helping deputies in need during protests


On Thursday, they were given official commendation scrolls for their help.

"It was a very chaotic scene, and I just remember from being gassed, coming to the restaurant. I'm forever grateful for the employees at the restaurant," said Crutchfield. "They were our angels. They helped us at a time of need when we were down."



According to Sheriff Robert Luna, deputies were able to return to help with the protest thanks to the restaurant workers.

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