Chattanooga Restaurant Owner Deported After Traffic Stop

Guillermina Solano-Chala, owner of Miss G's Tortas and Tamales, was arrested and deported after a traffic stop for alleged broken headlights.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Guillermina Solano-Chala, the 63-year-old owner of Miss G's Tortas and Tamales in Chattanooga, Tennessee, was arrested during a traffic stop and subsequently deported to Mexico after being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Solano-Chala, a Mexican citizen who had lived in the U.S. for 28 years, was charged with having broken headlights, no insurance, and not having a valid driver's license.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the impact it can have on local communities. Solano-Chala was a long-time business owner who was active in the Chattanooga community, and her deportation has been met with sadness and concern from residents.

The details

According to the Walker County Sheriff's Office, Solano-Chala was pulled over by a Georgia state trooper on January 23 and charged with the traffic violations. She was booked into the Walker County jail, and by the same day, ICE agents had detained her. Solano-Chala, who had no criminal record, was in the process of getting temporary protected status after alleged domestic violence against her during her time in the U.S. ICE had ongoing proceedings against her prior to the traffic stop. The Walker County Jail turned Solano-Chala over to ICE under a 287(g) agreement between local law enforcement and ICE.

  • On January 23, Solano-Chala was pulled over and charged with traffic violations.
  • On January 24, Solano-Chala was booked into the Walker County jail at 1 a.m. and detained by ICE by 6 p.m. the same day.
  • On Monday, Solano-Chala was released into Mexico at the El Paso border.

The players

Guillermina Solano-Chala

A 63-year-old Mexican citizen who had lived in the U.S. for 28 years and was the owner of Miss G's Tortas and Tamales in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson

The sheriff of Walker County, Georgia, where Solano-Chala was arrested and detained.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that detained and deported Solano-Chala after her arrest.

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What they’re saying

“Breaks my heart. Such a kind person, just working and feeding folks.”

— Kimmely Sanders (Facebook)

What’s next

The closure of Miss G's Tortas and Tamales under new ownership is expected, with the menu remaining the same.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the impact it can have on local communities, as a long-time business owner and active member of the Chattanooga community was deported after a routine traffic stop.