In early 2025, rumors began circulating on social media alleging that The Coca-Cola Company had reported its own employees to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), leading to deportations. These claims quickly gained traction, prompting widespread calls for boycotts, particularly within Latino communities. However, upon thorough investigation, these allegations have been debunked as false.
The Origin of the Rumors
The controversy appears to have stemmed from a viral TikTok video featuring employment lawyer Trang Tran. In the video, Tran claimed that Coca-Cola laid off “thousands of Latin American workers” at a Texas-based “Cerberus Bottling Plant” and subsequently reported them to ICE. This narrative was further amplified by other social media posts, including a widely shared Spanish-language video that falsely suggested Coca-Cola had apologized for notifying immigration authorities.
However, several key issues undermine the credibility of these claims:
- Nonexistent Facility: A search for a “Cerberus Bottling Plant” in Texas yielded no results. No such facility is listed among Coca-Cola’s operations in the state.
- Lack of Evidence: There are no credible reports or news articles confirming mass layoffs or ICE involvement at any Coca-Cola facility.
Coca-Cola’s Official Response
In response to the allegations, Coca-Cola issued a public statement unequivocally denying the claims:
“The accusation that The Coca-Cola Company called immigration authorities to assist in the separation of undocumented workers is unequivocally false.”
This statement was corroborated by multiple reputable fact-checking organizations, including Reuters, Snopes, and PolitiFact, all of which found no evidence supporting the allegations.
The Boycott Movement
Despite the lack of evidence, the rumors fueled a grassroots movement known as the “Latino Freeze Movement.” This initiative called for Latinos to boycott major U.S. corporations, including Coca-Cola, in protest of perceived anti-immigrant actions. The movement gained momentum, particularly in response to former President Donald Trump’s executive orders aimed at rolling back federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and cracking down on immigration.
While the boycott has garnered attention, it’s important to note that it is based on unfounded allegations. As fact-checking organizations have confirmed, there is no evidence that Coca-Cola engaged in the actions described in the rumors.
Conclusion
The allegations that Coca-Cola reported its employees to immigration authorities are baseless and have been thoroughly debunked by credible sources. While the rumors have sparked significant public outcry and calls for boycotts, it’s crucial to rely on verified information rather than unsubstantiated claims circulating on social media.
If you’re considering participating in the boycott or are concerned about the company’s practices, it’s advisable to seek out accurate information and consider the broader context. Misinformation can have unintended consequences, and it’s essential to base decisions on facts rather than rumors.