Portland Restaurant Owner Faces Backlash for 'No ICE' Sign

Ilma Lopez, a naturalized U.S. citizen, received hateful messages after putting up a 'No ICE' sign to protect her immigrant employees.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:15am

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Ilma Lopez, the co-owner of the Ugly Duckling luncheonette in Portland, Maine, decided to put up a "No ICE" sign after learning that immigration agents would be increasing enforcement efforts in the city. Lopez, who has been a U.S. citizen for 10 years, said she was worried about the well-being of her immigrant employees. However, the sign sparked a backlash, with Lopez receiving hateful emails, phone calls, and negative online reviews, some of which questioned her right to be in the country.

Why it matters

This story highlights the challenges faced by immigrant business owners and their employees in the current political climate, even for those who have gone through the legal process to become U.S. citizens. It also underscores the divisive nature of immigration policy and the impact it can have on local communities.

The details

After putting up the "No ICE" sign, Lopez started receiving emails and negative online reviews, with some people telling her that she "doesn't support ICE" and "doesn't belong here." She also received phone calls from various area codes, with the nicest comment being that she was an "ugly liberal." Despite the backlash, Lopez said she put up the sign to protect her immigrant employees, who are not yet citizens and are therefore less protected.

  • Lopez has been a U.S. citizen for 10 years, having followed the legal process for 12 years.
  • The "No ICE" sign was put up after Lopez learned that immigration agents would be increasing enforcement efforts in Portland.

The players

Ilma Lopez

The co-owner of the Ugly Duckling luncheonette in Portland, Maine, who is a naturalized U.S. citizen and decided to put up a "No ICE" sign to protect her immigrant employees.

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What they’re saying

“We're getting emails along the lines of, "We can't wait until ICE gets you out of here," and "Nobody speaks English there.”

— Ilma Lopez, Restaurant Co-owner

“The nicest thing that someone said was that I was an ugly liberal.”

— Ilma Lopez, Restaurant Co-owner

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges faced by immigrant business owners and their employees, even for those who have gone through the legal process to become U.S. citizens. It underscores the divisive nature of immigration policy and the impact it can have on local communities, as well as the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and values in the face of adversity.