A dramatic scene unfolded in San Diego on Friday as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents executed a workplace raid at Buona Forchetta, a well-known Italian restaurant. The operation is part of a broader effort to enforce immigration laws, fulfilling promises made during the previous administration.
Witnesses reported that armed agents, dressed in tactical gear, arrived at the restaurant in the late afternoon. Videos shared on social media show a chaotic atmosphere, with a crowd gathering to protest the raid. People filmed the scene and shouted in anger, expressing their discontent with the government’s actions.
During the raid, agents reportedly handcuffed the entire restaurant crew while asking for identification. Some employees were detained, although the exact number remains unclear. One employee described the emotional toll of the situation, saying she cried as she watched her coworkers being restrained just before the restaurant was set to open.
As tensions rose, locals attempted to block an unmarked DHS vehicle from leaving the area. The crowd yelled insults at the agents, calling them fascists. To disperse the gathering, agents deployed what appeared to be a smoke device, creating a cloud that filled the street.
A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the agents were executing a criminal search warrant. The restaurant itself did not respond to inquiries about the incident, and it remains unclear how many individuals were ultimately detained.
The involvement of local police in the operation has also come into question. Reports suggest that the San Diego Police Department may have been asked to assist, but their role in the raid is not fully understood.
This incident highlights ongoing debates around immigration enforcement in the U.S. and the methods used by federal agents. As the community reacts, many are left questioning the tactics employed during such operations and their impact on local businesses and residents.