WASHINGTON (7News) — A sudden wave of immigration enforcement actions across the nation’s capital has sent shockwaves through the restaurant industry and immigrant communities. Agents, dressed in Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) uniforms, reportedly made unannounced visits to several D.C. restaurants on Tuesday, May 6, requesting employment verification documents and raising concerns about a broader crackdown.Among the restaurants visited was Chef Geoff’s in Northwest D.C., owned by Geoff Tracy, husband of CBS News anchor Norah O’Donnell. Agents spent approximately 90 minutes on site, asking staff for I-9 employment forms. PREVIOUS | ICE checks spark fear among DC restaurants, affecting operations and staffingOther establishments included Millie’s in Spring Valley, Pupatella and Chang Chang in Dupont Circle, and Ghostburger in Shaw. While no arrests or detentions were reported, the surprise nature of the visits has sparked fear and confusion.A Homeland Security letter of inspection was left with many of the businesses during the unannounced visits. The letter makes it clear that the business will have three days to produce Employment Eligibility Verification, also known as an I-9 Form. Meaning these agents will be back Friday or Monday at the latest.“They identified themselves as Homeland Security, and our General Manager did exactly what we have trained our team to do and asked if they had a warrant before they are allowed to come on the premises,” said Natasha Neely, vice president of Brand Marketing and Growth for Pupatella.“They did not have a warrant, and I will say our Dupont location was not given any form of paperwork," Neely adds. "We are making sure that all of our team members know exactly what their rights are and we are doing everything that we can for our team members.”Surveillance video from Millie‘s showed a very calm demeanor by the agents as they slowly walk through the restaurant and begin speaking with the staff. There is no rushing in or breaking down doors, but those who own and manage restaurants here in the district said these high-profile enforcement inspections were just as alarming and have shaken up employees.Some businesses reportedly denied agents entry without proper warrants or redirected them to corporate offices. In response, immigrant rights organizations, including CASA and Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid, urged community members, regardless of immigration status, to educate themselves on their legal rights. They’ve published multilingual “Know Your Rights” resources online to help workers and families navigate encounters with immigration enforcement.“This isn’t about safety—it’s about fear,” said George Escobar, CASA’s Chief of Programs and Services. “When immigration enforcement shows up in our neighborhoods, its purpose is to strike terror.”SEE ALSO | Federal judge rules Georgetown scholar's wrongful arrest case will stay in VirginiaFaith leaders and advocacy groups called on the public to stand with immigrant communities. Pastor Julio Hernández of the Congregation Action Network called the raids “an injustice,” adding that diverse faith communities are united in protecting the dignity of all people.Leaders said the D.C. operations appear to be part of a broader national surge in enforcement under revived Trump-era policies. Many warn that the tactics—seen as discriminatory and disruptive—pose long-term threats to local economies and families.“This is about destabilizing our communities through fear, not justice,” said Abel Nuñez, Executive Director of CARECEN. “Instead of tearing families apart, we should be working toward immigration policies that reflect fairness and humanity.”Community groups are partnering with legal advocates and local officials to monitor the situation, offer support, and push back against what they describe as inhumane and unnecessary actions.Their message to the public: Know your rights. Don’t panic. Stand in solidarity.Here’s a copy of the letter 7News has obtained from Homeland Security Investigations:"Office of the Special Agent in Charge:NOTICE OF INSPECTIONDear Sir/Madam:Employers are required under section 274A(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all individuals hired in the United States after November 6, 1986. Federal regulation, 8 C.F.R. Section 274a.2, designates the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 (Form I-9) as the means of documenting this verification.Pursuant to Section 274A of the INA, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, DCis serving this Notice of Inspection (*Notice" or "NOI") to commence an inspection of your company's Forms I-9. Federal regulations afford employers three (3) business days' notice prior to the start of a Form 1-9 inspection. This Notice serves as your advanced notification that HSI has scheduled an inspection of your company's original (wet ink) Forms I-9, or electronically generated with audit trails and/or retained Forms I-9, as applicable, to commence three (3) business days from the date of service of this Notice. The Forms I-9 and supporting documents if any, must be received by HSI no later than listed in the associated administrative subpoena.- As of the service date of this Notice, do not make any amendments to the existing Forms I-9. Any Forms I-9 that are prepared or completed after the service date of this Notice will not be part of this inspection.Your company may provide the requested Forms I-9 and any related supporting documents to the HSI office named in the letterhead of this Notice in one of the following ways: certified mail, hand-delivery, or by contacting the HSI Special Agent identified in this Notice to schedule a time for these items to be collected by the HSI Special Agent at your company's place of business. Your company may also wish to provide a list of the items it will present to HSI, including the total number of Forms I-9 submitted for inspection.Upon receipt of the original (wet ink) Forms I-9, electronically generated with audit trails."