A Rossville coffee shop is preparing to close its doors after the detention of the owner’s mother by federal immigration authorities.
Buenos Dias Coffee, located on Chickamauga Avenue, has served coffee, pastries, and other treats to the Rossville community for the past three years. Owner Leticia Gomez announced the business will close following a family decision made in the wake of her mother’s detention.
According to arrest records, 53-year-old Laura Secundino-Portano was stopped by the Georgia State Patrol in Walker County on April 21 and charged with driving without a valid driver’s license along with two other traffic-related violations. Records indicate she was later transferred into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Following Secundino-Portano’s detention, Gomez and her siblings initially worked to keep the business operating. However, as the weeks passed and uncertainty surrounding their mother’s immigration case continued, the family reevaluated its plans.
The family ultimately decided to close Buenos Dias Coffee and begin preparations to relocate to Mexico.
No official closing date has been announced.