Popular fitness chain Barry’s blasted over alleged ICE raid protocol as members threaten to boycott
Boutique fitness studio Barry’s Bootcamp is under fire after an alleged leaked memo, reportedly showing their internal policy on how to deal with a potential ICE raid went viral.
In a copy of the alleged memo circulating online, a detailed breakdown of what instructors are expected to do in the event of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid is laid out, step-by-step.
The guidelines issued seven steps for instructors, beginning with telling employees to ‘stay calm’ and to turn off music if ICE agents enter the building.
The memo then said to bring the treadmill to a stop and turn all the lights on in the studio.
The next instruction was to announce that the agents were inside, suggesting saying: ‘Everyone please remain at your station. ICE has entered the room and is conducting an investigation.’
‘Stay at the instructor podium unless otherwise directed,’ the memo continued.
It also encouraged instructors not to take ‘further responsibility for anyone other than yourself.’
‘The studio leader will be informed that they are in the building and will take the lead on communication with ICE and clients,’ the memo concluded.
Boutique fitness studio Barry’s Bootcamp is under fire after an alleged leaked memo reportedly showing their internal policy on how to deal with a potential ICE raid went viral
The Daily Mail contacted Barry’s Bootcamp for comment. The memo has not been authenticated by Barry’s.
Barry’s is a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) fitness chain founded in Los Angeles with a treadmill running and strength element.
There are 89 studios worldwide, with 56 located in North America.
The alleged memo sparked fury among many members, who argued that the chain should be protecting its customers and not letting immigration agents into the building. Some even threatened to boycott Barry’s and cancel their membership.
‘Apparently, Barry’s is pulling out the red carpet for ICE if they want to kidnap one of their members,’ one user wrote.
‘It seems Barry’s guidance is: “if the Gestapo comes into the building, do nothing as they rip away one of your neighbors that you’ve known for years. Point at them if you have to!’ observed someone else.
They continued: ‘If you have a Barry’s membership, I implore you to do your due diligence and speak out against this through social media, email or in person.’
Someone else defended the gym, writing: ‘My gym also put out guidance like this. You have to look at it from their perspective. Law enforcement is there, you don’t want to increase your liability (you want to minimize it), so you tell people to do things that decrease everyone else’s danger. Doesn’t have to feel good.’
The guidelines issued seven steps for instructors, which instruct them to turn off music and let members know ICE are conducting an investigation
The alleged memo sparked fury among many members, who argued they should be protecting their customers and not letting the immigration agents in the building (stock image)
The alleged leaked memo comes after a Texas-based gym franchise, Crunch Fitness, was blasted after sharing what was claimed to be its policies regarding any ICE raids.
In a memo, which was posted to Reddit last week and has since been deleted, the franchise allegedly said its policy was to ‘cooperate with any law enforcement officer,’ including ICE.
The memo, reported by Business Insider, read: ‘What to expect during a raid,’ the gym chain told employees that some ICE raids ‘can last hours’ and could include searches of ‘offices, lockers, or computers.’
Staff were instructed to contact management, keep members calm, and tell them ‘not to interfere with the agents.’
A spokesperson for Crunch told Business Insider the memo ‘does not represent Crunch Fitness’s corporate policy.’
They added that the gym’s lobby is the only area law enforcement can access without a warrant.
The memo comes as several large chains have faced backlash over their policies regarding ICE agents.
In January, Hilton Hotels severed ties with a franchisee in Minnesota after it sparked outrage by canceling bookings made by immigration agents and refusing them service.
President Donald Trump’s ongoing immigration enforcement operations have resulted in high tensions around the country. Pictured: ICE agents detain a man after conducting a raid in Colorado
Lakeville Hampton Inn in Minneapolis was ordered to remove all Hilton branding as of Tuesday after head office learned that its policy barring Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents was still in effect.
Rental car giant Enterprise also faced protests after social media users accused the company of providing vehicles to federal agents.
Last week, terrified Target workers told store managers that they’re too afraid to go to work after two Target employees – both legal citizens – were detained by ICE on the job, the Los Angeles Times reported.
President Donald Trump’s ongoing immigration enforcement operations have resulted in high tensions around the country.
Conflicts in Minnesota city between immigration officers and protesters resulted in two fatal shootings: Alex Pretti, who was shot on January 24, and Renee Good, who was shot on January 7, causing massive pushback against ICE and the Trump administration.
On Wednesday, Border Czar Tom Homan announced the Trump administration is pulling 700 federal agents out of Minnesota.
He appeared to take a swipe at Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s immigration crackdown, conceding it had not been a ‘perfect operation’ at a news conference in Minneapolis on Wednesday after the fatal shootings of Good and Pretti.
