NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Fear over potential immigration enforcement on Lower Broadway in Nashville caused at least two restaurants to shut down operations this weekend, as rumors swirled about ICE activity in the heart of Music City.

“We’ve been affected massively from this,” said one restaurant manager near Broadway. “We’ve had to completely shut down our kitchen.”

FOX 17 News could not independently confirm whether ICE agents were present on Broadway. Reporters visited multiple bars and restaurants on Sunday, and while none reported direct contact with ICE or sightings of uniformed officers, the widespread concern was undeniable.

“It’s just creating this general sense of fear all the time,” said the same manager. “There were rumors flying around about ICE being on Lower Broadway. It was credible enough that we had to close the restaurant because back-of-house staff had to leave. Everyone split.”

Managers say rumors of ICE presence in the area spread rapidly among staff, many of whom feared being detained despite having valid paperwork.

"The general consensus is it doesn't matter if you've got the right paperwork or not, the fear is the same, regardless," a manager added.

Staff at several establishments reportedly fled upon hearing ICE could be nearby, forcing managers to close kitchens or halt service entirely.

“More than half of our restaurant staff is not attending right now, so we’re currently closed for business,” another manager said.

FOX 17 News has agreed not to name the restaurants or managers interviewed.

“I had a table I had made drinks for, and when it came time to order, I had to come back and tell them, ‘I’m sorry, we’re closed. Our kitchen is closed,’” the first manager said.

ICE has partnered with the Tennessee Highway Patrol over the past week, leading to the detainment of more than 100 individuals as of Friday.

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) praised the ongoing enforcement, saying, “In my opinion, anyone who comes into this country illegally loses any opportunity or chance to become a citizen of this country. It’s a criminal act, and when you look at the recent ICE raids, the Trump administration is doing a fantastic job. You have smugglers, traffickers, individuals with illegal guns.”

Critics, however, argue the raids have swept up peaceful undocumented migrants not associated with criminal activity.

“It’s hard for me to see who is helped by any of this,” one restaurant manager said. “It’s just hurting people.”

“For a city that runs on the service industry, this is extremely detrimental to us,” added another.

FOX 17 News reached out to ICE and the Tennessee Highway Patrol for comment. FOX 17 News also spoke with the mayor's office, and a spokesperson says they have not heard of any immigration enforcements that occurred in downtwon Nashville Saturday night.

As of Sunday night, no updates were provided regarding recent operations or new arrests in the area.

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