Roland Beainy, co-owner of the Trump-themed burger chain in Texas, faces deportation after ICE detained him and revoked his green card. The Lebanese entrepreneur’s case has sparked controversy amid an ongoing business dispute with his silent partner, Eddie Hawa.

Trump Burger, known for its overt political branding since its 2020 launch, now grapples with uncertainty as immigration officials claim the action is unrelated to politics. The timing raises questions about whether Beainy is being targeted for his business associations or legitimate visa violations.

Trump Burger Co-Owner Roland Beainy Faces Deportation: ICE Targets Lebanese Entrepreneur Amid Business Dispute

Who is Roland Beainy and Why Was His Green Card Revoked?

Roland Beainy, a Lebanese immigrant who co-founded the pro-Trump burger chain in Texas, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Houston last month. His permanent resident status was abruptly revoked, raising questions about selective enforcement against politically-connected businesses. The 38-year-old entrepreneur entered the U.S. in 2019 through the EB-5 investor visa program before obtaining his green card.

According to ICE records obtained by Texas Monthly, Beainy’s removal proceedings cite “material misrepresentation” in his visa application. However, his attorneys argue the allegations stem from a minor paperwork discrepancy unrelated to his business operations. The Trump Burger chain, which launched its first location in Flatonia on November 3, 2020 (Election Day), quickly expanded to four Texas locations through an unorthodox franchising model.

This case sits at the intersection of immigration policy and political theater. While ICE maintains this is routine enforcement, the timing – during an active business dispute with his partner – warrants scrutiny. Green card revocations typically require substantial evidence of fraud.

The Business Dispute Behind the Scenes

Court documents reveal Beainy has been locked in a bitter legal battle with co-owner Eddie Hawa since February 2025 over:

• Alleged diversion of $287,000 in franchise fees
• Unauthorized expansion to Kemah without partner approval
• Trademark infringement claims regarding the “Trump Burger” branding

Political Branding vs. Immigration Reality

The restaurants’ overt political themes have drawn both loyal patrons and vocal critics. Menu items include:

Irony drips like secret sauce here – an immigrant entrepreneur built a business celebrating immigration hardliners, only to face deportation himself. The Trump administration deported over 1.2 million people; now his branding may have painted a target on his back.

Where is Co-Owner Eddie Hawa?

Hawa’s conspicuous absence during Beainy’s detention has fueled speculation. The Palestinian-American businessman reportedly traveled to Dubai in May 2025 on what employees were told was a “supplier negotiation trip.” Email correspondence shows Hawa forwarded a ICE inquiry about Beainy’s status to their corporate attorney three weeks before the arrest.

Employee Perspectives

Current staff describe diverging responses to the crisis:

• Houston location saw 22% sales increase from conservative supporters
• Bellville staff reported harassment from protestors
• Kemah employees faced “Where’s Eddie?” graffiti vandalism

The Complexities of Immigration Enforcement

Legal experts identify several unusual aspects in Beainy’s case:

1. EB-5 investors are rarely targeted unless criminal activity is involved
2. ICE typically prioritizes employers of undocumented workers over entrepreneurs
3. The 11-month gap between visa issue date and revocation suggests new evidence emerged

Remember – ICE processed just 5,850 employment-based deportations last fiscal year nationwide. For them to pursue a small business owner with no criminal record indicates either serious violations or political motivations.

What’s Next for Trump Burger?

With one owner facing deportation and another overseas, the chain’s future remains uncertain:

• Franchisees demand clarity on royalty payments
• Suppliers report delayed payments since June
• Social media activity from official accounts has ceased

Broader Implications

This case highlights several concerning trends:

1. The vulnerability of immigrant entrepreneurs in polarized climates
2. How political branding can attract unwanted scrutiny
3. The weaponization of immigration enforcement in business disputes

Ultimately, this isn’t just about burgers – it’s about whether America still values immigrant entrepreneurship. From Google’s Sergey Brin to Elon Musk, our greatest companies were built by immigrants. We must ask: Is this enforcement, or intimidation?

The Department of Homeland Security declined to comment on ongoing proceedings, while Trump Burger’s remaining management insists all locations will remain open “until legal matters are resolved.”