White Rhino Coffee Faces Backlash Over ICE Policy

Emporium Pies owner's stance on serving immigration agents leads to staff resignations

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:07pm

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The new owner of the Bishop Arts-born Emporium Pies, White Rhino Coffee, is facing both support and backlash over the company's stance on serving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The controversy began when a manager at the White Rhino downtown location announced her resignation due to the company's policy of requiring staff to serve ICE agents and provide them with a first responder discount. At least 11 other staff members also quit that day, leading into a weekend of heightened tensions and protests in Minneapolis following the fatal shootings of two individuals by federal agents.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing debate around the role of businesses in either supporting or opposing federal immigration enforcement efforts. It also reflects the broader tensions in communities over the presence and actions of ICE, which has become a lightning rod for controversy. The resignations underscore the strong feelings that employees can have on these issues and their willingness to take a stand, even at the cost of their jobs.

The details

According to the report, Margot Stacy, the former manager of the White Rhino downtown location, announced her resignation due to the company's policy of requiring staff to serve ICE agents and provide them with a first responder discount. Stacy told local media outlet KERA that at least 11 other staff members quit that day as well. The resignations came leading into a weekend of heightened tensions and protests in Minneapolis, where thousands demonstrated amid rising tensions following the fatal shootings of two individuals by federal agents.

  • On January 22, 2026, Margot Stacy announced her resignation as manager of the White Rhino downtown location.
  • On January 24, 2026, thousands of demonstrators joined protests in Minneapolis amid rising tensions following the fatal shootings of Renee Good by an ICE officer and Alex Pretti by Customs and Border Protection officers.

The players

White Rhino Coffee

The new owner of the Bishop Arts-born Emporium Pies, operating over a dozen coffee shop locations in the Metroplex.

Margot Stacy

The former manager of the White Rhino downtown location who resigned over the company's policy of serving ICE agents.

Emporium Pies

A popular pie shop in the Bishop Arts district that was recently purchased by White Rhino Coffee.

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What’s next

The Oak Cliff Advocate has reached out to Emporium Pies and White Rhino Coffee for further comment, but has not received a response. It remains to be seen how the company will address the ongoing controversy and whether the policy changes will be enough to retain and attract staff.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the difficult position businesses can find themselves in when navigating politically charged issues like immigration enforcement. While White Rhino Coffee has sought to clarify its policy, the resignations underscore the strong feelings this issue can evoke and the potential for further employee and community backlash if the company is not able to find a balanced approach that respects all stakeholders.