Misunderstanding Erupts at Plaza Mexico (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Lynwood – Three federal air marshals required a heavy law enforcement escort to leave a Korean barbecue restaurant after a crowd mistook them for immigration agents on Wednesday evening.[1][2]
Misunderstanding Erupts at Plaza Mexico
The air marshals entered the eatery around 6:20 p.m. for a routine dinner at Plaza Mexico in the 3100 block of East Imperial Highway. Someone inside quickly identified them as Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, despite their actual roles with the Transportation Security Administration. Word spread rapidly among diners, fueled by social media and text messages. Within minutes, a large crowd gathered, confronting the federal agents directly.[1]
The situation escalated as the group grew unruly, prompting the air marshals to request assistance from local authorities. Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department later confirmed the mistaken identity played a central role in the chaos. No injuries occurred during the initial confrontation, but tensions ran high in the packed venue.
Sheriff’s Deputies Mobilize Swiftly
Dozens of deputies arrived from two nearby stations, including the Century Station, to address the unfolding disturbance. They formed a skirmish line in the restaurant’s parking lot, effectively separating the air marshals from the agitated crowd. Aerial footage captured the scale of the response, with multiple patrol vehicles surrounding the area.[2]…