In a major development, Carlos Lool, the owner and chef of a popular South Los Angeles restaurant, has reportedly been taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is now facing potential deportation proceedings.
Following his detention, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support him, attracting both local patrons and online supporters as the news continues to spread. Let's find out who Carlos Lool is and how much has been collected in the fundraiser so far.
She claimed the situation escalated quickly, saying that the agents pulled Lool from the vehicle and forced him to the ground and pointed weapons at him during the arrest.
Lawrence also stated that Lool has a decades-old criminal conviction from Connecticut and has already served his sentence. She further alleged that the current investigation may have been prompted after a former employee reported the restaurant to authorities, claiming there was a firearm on the premises, which would violate Lool's parole conditions.
She said, "We're in a tough neighbourhood. We have been robbed. We constantly have people breaking windows and jumping over the fence."
Partner alleges ICE arrest followed supply run, claims tip-off triggered investigation
According to ABC7, Jenna Lawrence, business partner and girlfriend of Carlos Lool, revealed it. She said that ICE agents allegedly trailed them while they were out collecting supplies for a catering job over the weekend.She claimed the situation escalated quickly, saying that the agents pulled Lool from the vehicle and forced him to the ground and pointed weapons at him during the arrest.
Lawrence also stated that Lool has a decades-old criminal conviction from Connecticut and has already served his sentence. She further alleged that the current investigation may have been prompted after a former employee reported the restaurant to authorities, claiming there was a firearm on the premises, which would violate Lool's parole conditions.
She said, "We're in a tough neighbourhood. We have been robbed. We constantly have people breaking windows and jumping over the fence."
Who started the GoFundMe for Carlos Lool?
As per the GoFundMe website, Jenna Lawrence, Lool's business and girlfriend, has launched the fundraiser campaign for him, saying their lives "changed in an instant" following the incident. At the time of the reporting, the fundraiser had collected around $820 toward its $8000 goal as supporters continue to contribute in response to the situation.The GoFundMe post read, "While preparing for a catering event for our businesses, La Granja Rotisserie and Fuego Rotisserie, Carlos and I left to pick up needed supplies. We had no idea we were being followed by ICE agents. As soon as we stepped out of the car, Carlos was forcefully detained. Guns were drawn, he was aggressively taken, and I was physically held back as I tried to get to him. It was one of the most heartbreaking and traumatic moments of my life."
"Carlos is not the same man he was 30 years ago. Over the last three decades, he has dedicated his life to becoming a respected chef, mentor, business owner, father, and hard-working member of our community. He has spent years building businesses, creating jobs, mentoring young cooks, and pouring his heart into food and hospitality," the post added.
"Carlos has spent years giving back through food, mentorship, and community. Now we are asking our community to stand beside him during the hardest moment of his life. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support, compassion, and prayers."
Facebook | LA Granja Rotisserie | GoFundMe launched by partner after ICE custody and deportation fears Who is Carlos Lool?
For Hyde Park customers, Lool is widely recognised as more than just a restaurant owner; he is the public face behind La Granja Rotisserie and Fuego Rotisserie.Known for his signature food and long-standing role in mentoring young chefs across South Los Angeles, he has built a strong reputation in the local culinary scene.
However, it has also been noted that Lool has a criminal conviction from Connecticut dating back roughly 30 years, for which he has already served his sentence.