Tensions are running high in San Diego after a recent raid by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at two local Italian restaurants. The operation took place last Friday at Buona Forchetta and Enoteca Buona Forchetta in South Park, a neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets and popular eateries. The raid ended with federal agents deploying flash-bang grenades to disperse a crowd of residents who were protesting the operation.
The raid is one of the most aggressive actions taken by federal immigration officials in California, coinciding with the Trump administration’s push for mass deportations. Just days earlier, ICE had arrested 36 individuals suspected of being in the country illegally at an underground nightclub in Los Angeles. In April, a separate operation led to the detention of day laborers outside a Home Depot in Pomona.
Yasmeen Pitts O’Keefe, a spokesperson for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), explained that the warrants were related to alleged violations of hiring illegal workers and making false statements. Four individuals were taken into custody during the raid, though further details were not disclosed due to an ongoing investigation.
Buona Forchetta released a statement saying they are working with attorneys to support their employees and their families. The restaurant expressed concern for staff who witnessed the events but did not immediately address the allegations in the warrant.
As ICE agents executed the warrants, a large crowd gathered, chanting “Shame!” and blocking the agents’ exit. O’Keefe stated that the situation escalated, prompting the use of flash-bang devices to ensure the safety of law enforcement and the public. Videos from the scene show demonstrators confronting the agents, calling them “Nazis” and “fascists.”
Local officials have reacted with outrage. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria criticized the operation, stating it undermined trust and created fear in the community. Councilmember Stephen Whitburn questioned the necessity of the heavy police presence, asking why so many armed agents were needed for a raid targeting undocumented individuals. He expressed pride in the residents who voiced their anger over the incident.
Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera described the raid as an act of “state-sponsored terrorism,” highlighting the trauma it caused among local residents. He shared images on social media, calling the federal agents “terrorists,” which drew a response from Stephen Miller, a senior advisor to President Trump, who accused the left of encouraging violence against law enforcement.
According to a search warrant obtained by local media, federal authorities had received a tip five years ago about Buona Forchetta employing undocumented workers, some of whom allegedly used fake identification. The warrant detailed instances of workers being subjected to long hours without breaks and verbal abuse.
The investigation revealed multiple cases of employees using counterfeit documents. Local leaders, including Rep. Scott Peters, questioned the use of resources for such operations, arguing that the heavy-handed approach made the community less safe.
In the wake of the raid, Buona Forchetta expressed gratitude for the support from the community, emphasizing their commitment to treating everyone with dignity and care. The incident has sparked a broader discussion about immigration enforcement practices and their impact on local communities.