Portland Pizza Restaurant Sparks Backlash Over Anti-ICE Propaganda

Tastebud's website note declaring 'food is political' draws criticism for mixing politics with dining experience

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A pizza restaurant in Portland, Oregon called Tastebud has faced a torrent of backlash after posting an unhinged anti-ICE rant on its website that also bizarrely claimed 'food is political'. The note, which went viral, called for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and referenced issues like the Epstein files and transgender politics before the restaurant toned it down amid the criticism.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the growing trend of restaurants and other businesses choosing to take strong political stances, which can alienate some customers and spark intense debates about the role of politics in the dining experience. It also comes amid heightened tensions around immigration enforcement and protests against ICE.

The details

Tastebud's original website note declared 'Ice out everywhere' and said 'No one is illegal on stole land. F—k Ice. Abolish Ice.' It then went on to mention the Epstein files, transgender issues, and other political topics. After facing a wave of criticism online, the restaurant toned down the note, removing references to Trump and Epstein, while still claiming 'food is political' and standing for 'human rights, equality, science and collective care'.

  • The original anti-ICE note was posted on Tastebud's website in February 2026.
  • The note was taken down and toned down in the days after it went viral and sparked backlash.

The players

Tastebud

A pizza restaurant located in Portland, Oregon that came under fire for posting an anti-ICE rant on its website.

Renee Good

An anti-ICE protester who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis in January 2026.

Alex Pretti

An armed anti-ICE protester and ICU nurse who died after being shot by Customs and Border Protection officials in Minneapolis in January 2026, two weeks after Good's death.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing tensions around the intersection of politics and the dining experience, as more businesses choose to take strong stances on controversial issues. While some customers may appreciate a restaurant's values, others may feel alienated, leading to intense debates about whether politics should play a role in the food industry.