Knox County Residents Rally Against Federal Raid at Panchos Tacos

On Sunday, approximately 120 residents of Knox County gathered in Mount Vernon's Public Square to protest a recent federal operation at Panchos Tacos.

The demonstration, organized by the Knox Socialist League (KSL), spanned from 1 to 3 p.m. and was coordinated through their social media channels.

James St. Clair, a KSL member and Mount Vernon resident, stated, "We saw what happened at Panchos Tacos and wanted to rally community support."

Participants marched around the square, chanting and displaying signs, while law enforcement maintained a non-intrusive presence.

According to the restaurant's social media updates, Panchos Tacos is closed until further notice.

Details about the federal operation remain scarce, but the City of Mount Vernon released a statement emphasizing their commitment to supporting all citizens and ensuring due process.

Building owner Tim Carper reported that federal officials detained several employees before the restaurant's opening, with their current status undisclosed.

Initially, reports suggested that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted the operation. However, city officials later confirmed that it was carried out by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

St. Clair described KSL as a "big tent socialist organization" comprising various leftist ideologies, aiming to advocate for a more equal society.

While some protesters were KSL members, others attended as concerned citizens. Mount Vernon resident Julie Nolan expressed, "We're here protesting the mistreatment of our community and the infringement on constitutional rights."

Another resident, Kayla Hughes, added, "I'm here protesting that we don't need to be this extreme with our immigration policies."

During the protest, Fredericktown resident Austin Farrell circulated an open letter addressed to Knox County Sheriff Dan Weckesser, seeking transparency about the operation at Panchos Tacos.

The letter posed questions regarding the specifics of the operation, any coordination with federal agents, and steps to ensure future operations are lawful and respectful to the community.

Farrell reported collecting two full pages of signatures supporting the letter.

Sheriff Weckesser stated that the Knox County Sheriff's Office did not participate in the detention of any Panchos Tacos employees.

He mentioned that their involvement was limited to potential assistance, which was ultimately not required.

As the community seeks clarity, the City of Mount Vernon continues to gather information and has directed media inquiries to Homeland Security Investigations.