Wichita Restaurant Owner Detained by Immigration Officials
Local restaurateur Rob Attar faces deportation following his detention at a required annual immigration check-in.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Immigration
Rob Attar, the owner of La Galette in Wichita, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a routine check-in. His detention has put the future of his local restaurant in immediate jeopardy.
Why it matters
The sudden detention of a business owner highlights the ongoing enforcement challenges faced by long-term residents with prior criminal records. The potential closure of La Galette leaves both the local community and employees facing uncertainty.
Attar faces removal proceedings stemming from a 2001 sentence of 72 months in federal prison for 10 drug and weapons charges. His legal team is currently seeking an emergency 60-day stay of removal to pursue green card reinstatement.
The players
Rob Attar
He is the proprietor of La Galette restaurant in Wichita who was detained by federal immigration authorities.
Abul Arif
He is the attorney representing Rob Attar in his efforts to secure a stay of removal.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
This federal agency is responsible for enforcing immigration laws and managing the detention of foreign nationals.
The details
Attar was detained after arriving at the ICE offices at 555 N. Woodlawn for his annual appointment. His attorney, Abul Arif, is working to prevent his transfer to the ICE Detention Center in Kay County, Oklahoma.
Timeline
Attar began living in the United States in 1993.
Attar was arrested by federal agents in 2000.
He was sentenced to 72 months in prison in January 2001.
Attar purchased La Galette restaurant in 2021.
He was detained by ICE on October 22, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of current immigration enforcement practices often argue that mandatory detention policies for individuals with past criminal convictions lack necessary judicial discretion. Advocates for these policies maintain that strict adherence to federal law is required to ensure national security.
The detention of a local business owner like Attar often leads to immediate staff displacement and the potential loss of a community establishment. Residents should anticipate the closure of La Galette within two days.
The takeaway
Business owners in the local community who have unresolved immigration or criminal histories face significant personal and professional risks during routine government appointments. Planning for contingency management and legal counsel is essential for those navigating complex immigration status requirements.
Further reading
For more information on local enforcement trends, visit the Wichita Immigration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wichita Eagle.
