Compton restaurant workers awarded for helping injured deputies during ICE protests

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.

During Saturday's protests, workers at a Compton restaurant were seen rushing to help sheriff's deputies who appeared to have been exposed to tear gas.

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.