Some eating places go viral on social media and it saves their enterprise. However for one spot in New Jersey, trending on TikTok has had the precise reverse impact, after the proprietor mentioned a false story about them unfold concern amongst clients.
La Pupusa Loca on Bergenline Avenue has been a neighborhood staple in West New York for greater than 30 years. However just lately, the eating room has sat largely empty most nights.
Proprietor Elio Barrera mentioned he’s misplaced about 80% of his enterprise after a video posted to social media alleged that ICE brokers raided their second location in neighboring Union Metropolis.
“The video had over 1.4 million views – it exploded,” mentioned Barrera.
The one downside? These raids by no means occurred.
“It was completely false,” Barrera mentioned, noting that second location had been closed since late 2024.
“After watching the video, had I not known the truth, I would’ve believed it,” he informed NBC New York. “It breaks my heart that people feel they’re not safe here anymore.”
Barrera mentioned there have been no ICE raids at his restaurant, however the harm has already been achieved.
“A lot of people are scared to even come here. That week…I was shocked how empty it was. I’ve never seen it this empty, ever,” he mentioned.
Social media influencer Gio Rojas helped flag the video. He mentioned it has since been taken down, however not earlier than it was broadly circulated and commented on.
“In my opinion, you’re putting fear in someone,” Rojas mentioned of the false video.
State Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez mentioned the video ought to function a warning to his group to confirm the knowledge they learn on-line.
“Obviously disappointed, but unfortunately not surprised,” mentioned Rodriguez. “Clearly the reason that was done was to create fear in our community…I was angry, disappointed.”
Simply days earlier than the Valentine’s Day rush, Barrera mentioned he’s needed to reduce on his workers. The proprietor’s hopeful the reality will prevail and his enterprise can proper this incorrect.
“There is a lot of confusion going on with this video, but what I want to clarify: There has never been an ICE raid at any of our locations, and I just want people to know that this is, and will continue to be, their second home,” mentioned Barrera.
The restaurant has tried to calm any issues by posting their very own content material to social media. Barrera mentioned his workers has been understanding in regards to the downsizing.
The proprietor additionally mentioned he reached out to the one that initially posted the video, however he by no means obtained a response again.
