by Iowa's News NowThu, September 25, 2025 at 1:00 PMUpdated Fri, September 26, 2025 at 10:11 AMICE arrest at Iowa City grocery store sparks community outrage and calls for release (Still from video provided by Escucha Mi Voz)IOWA CITY, Iowa — An employee of Bread Garden Market in Iowa City was taken into ICE custody while on the job, according to the advocacy group Eschcha Mi Voz.Jorge Elieser Gonzalez Ochoa was taken away in hand cuffs by a few officers.At one point, in bystander video, you can see Ochoa being pushed to the ground as the officers cuff him. One of the officer placed his knee on Ochoa's head to hold him to the ground. He was then drug to a nearby van.The owner of the Bread Garden Market shared a statement explaining that federal law enforcement entered the store unannounced. "A disturbance occurred with one of our employees and we immediately contacted the Iowa City Police Department. The employee was taken into custody by federal law enforcement," Jim Mondanaro said. "We do not have any other information available at this time. The incident was disturbing and frightening, and our priority at this time is supporting all of our employees and guests. We want the Bread Garden Market to be a place where all people in our wonderfully diverse community feel safe and welcome."There is no further information related to Ochoa's where abouts or the next steps in his detainment.In a statement, Escucha Mi Voz said in part, "This reckless action is an attack not only on Jorge and his family, but on our entire community. Immigration enforcement has no place in grocery stores, schools, churches, or neighborhoods. By storming a local business and terrifying customers, ICE trampled on the dignity and safety of Iowa City residents. We demand Jorge’s immediate release and an end to the violent tactics of ICE that put our communities at risk. Escucha Mi Voz Iowa stands with Jorge, with Bread Garden workers and customers, and with all immigrant families who deserve to live and work with dignity and justice."A spokesperson for Iowa City said they did not know about the arrest ahead of time and were not involved. City officials say Iowa City Police were dispatched to Bread Garden around that time for a disturbance but the arrest was complete by the time they got there. "Because the City had no prior knowledge and was not directly involved with this incident, all questions should be directed to federal authorities," an Iowa City press release reads.An ICE spokesperson shared this statement to Iowa's News Now:"ICE officers arrested Jorge Gonzalez Ochoa, a 27-year-old criminal illegal alien from Colombia, during a lawful, intelligence driven enforcement action in Iowa City. Gonzalez, under criminal investigation for fraud, attempted to evade and resist arrest. Officers identified themselves to both the business managers and Gonzalez, and despite interference from agitators, they executed the arrest professionally and in full compliance with the law.Claims that this lawful action was unprovoked, dangerous, or akin to an abduction are false, reckless, and irresponsible. Such inflammatory rhetoric endangers ICE officers and agents and misleads the public. Despite baseless accusations and provocations, ICE officers remain committed to enforcing laws written by Congress and protecting communities with professionalism and integrity, regardless of race, religion, or nationality."Escucha Mi Voz is holding a press conference at 11:30 a.m. on Friday with family of Jorge Elieser González Ochoa, community leaders and elected officials on the Ped Mall fountain stage in Iowa City.