FAIRVIEW, New Jersey (WABC) — A New Jersey family bakery is pushing back against what it calls false and damaging rumors that have been spreading online.<\/p>\n
The Medina Bakery & Restaurant in Fairview says online posts have accused them of conspiring with immigration authorities in the community, a rumor they say couldn’t be farther from the truth.<\/p>\n
Medina Bakery & Restaurant is a dream realized for owner Jorge Medina. He came to the U.S. from Guatemala in the 1980s with his wife. He worked hard, raised a family and saved up to create a family business.<\/p>\n
“We opened the business with faith,” Medina said. “Thank god, we’ve been good. Business has been good. It’s been a blessing.”<\/p>\n
But the family says as ICE raids ramped up in New Jersey, online rumors surfaced that members of his family were helping ICE agents find and arrest people from the community. He says nothing is farther from the truth.<\/p>\n
“How can we do that to our own people? We are all fighters in this country,” Medina said. “No one in my family is involved with ICE.”<\/p>\n
He also says since the raids and rumors, their business is down by about 30%. With three family restaurants, the Medina’s employ numerous workers, who in turn, are able to care for their families. He says his family would never do anything to add to the disruptive circumstances now sweeping the country.<\/p>\n
“Do not believe everything people say,” Medina said. “This is all false information. False. We are always here to serve the community in our bakery. Come here without any fear. It’s all a lie.”<\/p>\n
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