2 Arrested at Brainerd Restaurant Face Federal Charges

The men were indicted on immigration-related offenses after being detained by ICE at a local restaurant.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Two men, Francisco Javier Montoya-Barboza and Jose Barajas-Farias, were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at El Potro Mexican Restaurant in Brainerd, Minnesota on January 26. Both men have now been indicted on federal charges - Montoya-Barboza for improper entry of an alien, and Barajas-Farias for reentry of a removed alien.

Why it matters

The arrests highlight ongoing federal immigration enforcement actions, particularly in smaller communities, and the legal consequences individuals can face for violating immigration laws. The case also raises questions about ICE's tactics and the impact on local businesses and communities.

The details

According to court documents, Montoya-Barboza was previously convicted of underage alcohol consumption in 2011, while Barajas-Farias had been removed from the U.S. in 2005 and 2006. Both men pleaded not guilty to the federal charges against them and are currently being held in the Douglas County Jail in Wisconsin. Two other men were also detained during the ICE operation but have not been charged with any crimes.

  • On January 26, 2026, ICE agents arrested Montoya-Barboza and Barajas-Farias at El Potro Mexican Restaurant in Brainerd.
  • On January 29, 2026, Montoya-Barboza was charged with improper entry of an alien, and Barajas-Farias was charged with reentry of a removed alien.
  • On February 2, 2026, only one of the two other men detained during the ICE operation remained in custody at the Crow Wing County Jail.

The players

Francisco Javier Montoya-Barboza

A 35-year-old man charged with improper entry of an alien, a misdemeanor, after being arrested by ICE at El Potro Mexican Restaurant in Brainerd.

Jose Barajas-Farias

A 52-year-old man charged with reentry of a removed alien, a felony, after being arrested by ICE at El Potro Mexican Restaurant in Brainerd.

El Potro Mexican Restaurant

The Brainerd restaurant where the ICE arrests took place, which is currently for sale.

Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that assisted the Department of Homeland Security with the arrests at the restaurant.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that executed the arrests and is pursuing the criminal charges against Montoya-Barboza and Barajas-Farias.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Montoya-Barboza out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing federal immigration enforcement actions taking place in communities across the U.S., and the legal consequences individuals can face for violating immigration laws, even in smaller towns like Brainerd.