ICE Detains ‘Trump Burger’ Owner Iyad Abuelhawa Amid Controversy
UPDATE: The owner of the viral “Trump Burger” restaurant, Iyad Abuelhawa, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the MAGA community. His arrest on June 2, 2023, marks him as the second high-profile restaurateur linked to the Trump brand to face ICE custody this summer.
Just two months prior, Abuelhawa’s former business partner, Roland Beainy, 28, was also taken into custody while operating Trump Burger locations in Texas. This wave of detentions raises urgent questions about immigration policies under the current administration, especially involving individuals with checkered pasts.
The 55-year-old Abuelhawa, who has previously served time in federal prison, is accused of being in the U.S. illegally for over a decade. He received a deportation order on September 15, 2009, according to an ICE spokesperson. “While in the U.S. illegally, Abuelhawa has repeatedly put the lives of innocent Americans in jeopardy,” the spokesperson stated, emphasizing the seriousness of his past offenses.
Abuelhawa’s criminal history includes a 2007 conviction for healthcare fraud, where he endangered approximately 1,600 Houston-area residents by injecting them with fake flu shots. Additionally, he has faced multiple convictions, including assault and intimidation. ICE has vowed to ensure he will not return to the U.S. after his detention.
This story gained renewed attention following a report from the Houston Chronicle, which highlighted Abuelhawa’s deteriorating health condition while in ICE custody. His attorneys claim he suffers from severe diabetes and heart issues and has allegedly been denied necessary medical care, a claim the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disputes. “Any claim that detainees are not being provided with proper medical care is FALSE,” stated a DHS spokesperson, insisting that the health care provided is superior to what many detainees have experienced before.
Born in Jerusalem and also known as Eddie Hawa, Abuelhawa was previously a notable figure in the MAGA-branded restaurant scene. He transformed a restaurant in Bellville, Texas, into “Trump Cafe” in October 2016, just before Donald Trump’s election, gaining national attention. Although the cafe closed in November 2017, Abuelhawa opened Trump Burger in 2020 and achieved significant popularity, leading to multiple locations across the Houston area.
Beainy, who entered the U.S. legally in 2019, is also facing immigration challenges, accused of overstaying a visa and attempting a “sham” marriage. His arrest earlier this summer has compounded the scrutiny on the Trump Burger brand.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some supporters expressing disbelief over the detentions of figures they admire. Meanwhile, critics argue that the arrests highlight the dangers of allowing individuals with serious criminal backgrounds to operate businesses in the community.
As the situation develops, many are left wondering about the future of Trump Burger and its founders. With Abuelhawa’s health issues raising alarm, advocates are calling for urgent attention to the treatment of detainees in ICE custody.
This story is evolving rapidly, and further updates are expected as authorities continue to navigate this complex situation. Stay tuned for the latest developments on this unfolding story.
