A well-known Albuquerque restaurant has become the center of a growing political flashpoint after a viral TikTok video sparked protests over claims that the establishment offers a discount to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The controversy centers on the Frontier Restaurant, a longtime staple located directly across from the University of New Mexico campus. The restaurant, popular with students, locals, and visitors alike, has recently drawn criticism from fringe activist groups after allegations surfaced online that it extends a “military discount” to ICE personnel.
The backlash intensified after a TikTok video from extremist activist account @drlmc—reshared on X by the account @LongTimeHistory—encouraged followers to boycott the restaurant and protest its policies. The video claims that ICE agents frequent the restaurant and use it as a place to coordinate enforcement actions.
“They allow agents to sit inside for hours and plan how to kidnap neighbors,” one protester alleged in the video, without providing evidence. The TikTok post further urged viewers to reconsider patronizing the business, stating, “Choose where to spend your money—don’t be complicit!”
The video also included inflammatory rhetoric targeting ICE agents, with one protester declaring, “ICE are not military, they are federal goons.”
The claims quickly gained traction online, prompting a tiny gaggle of agitators to gather outside the Frontier Restaurant with haphazardly written signs. Protesters held them and chanted slogans criticizing both ICE and businesses perceived to support federal immigration enforcement.
Supporters of the restaurant argue that the backlash is misplaced and politically motivated. Many point out that businesses routinely serve members of law enforcement and government agencies without incident, and that offering discounts—whether to military, veterans, or other public servants—is a common practice across the country.
“Frontier Restaurant is beloved in New Mexico. Often, the first stop for people flying in. Do not think their business will suffer a bit. If anything, increase it,” wrote Paulette Lucas on X.
The account @TDog73 added, “I normally don’t speak out for local businesses but the Frontier is now coming under attack by the useless dregs of our society. Who is with me on supporting them like they have never been supported before? Let’s flood their restaurant and laugh in the faces of the perennial losers. See you all on Saturday for lunch.”
“Frontier will now get all my disposable income, finally someone in New Mexico who actually supports the USA!” wrote Mario Avila on X.
The protest comes amid heightened national debate over immigration enforcement and the role of local communities in either supporting or resisting federal actions. Fringe activists have refused to take a somewhat objective approach, calling for ICE’s complete and total destruction, which would cripple public safety for New Mexicans and Americans.