A dramatic federal raid at Buona Forchetta’s South Park restaurant in San Diego has sent shockwaves through the community and sparked intense national debate. Late Friday afternoon, approximately heavily armed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in tactical gear stormed the popular Italian eatery, detaining four employees—three from Mexico and one from Colombia—on suspicion of lacking legal immigration status.
The operation, which led to the temporary closure of all Buona Forchetta locations in San Diego and Orange counties, was based on a search warrant signed by a federal magistrate. The warrant cited a tip from 2020 alleging the restaurant employed undocumented workers and subjected them to exploitative labor conditions, including 12-hour shifts without breaks Federal agents reportedly handcuffed staff and used flash-bang grenades to disperse a growing crowd of community members who attempted to block law enforcement vehicles.
Local elected officials, including several members of Congress and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, have strongly condemned the raid, calling it an excessive show of force that traumatized staff and customers. “This isn’t about going after criminals,” said Rep. Sara Jacobs. “They’re going after people who are trying to do the right thing and people who are contributing to our economy” Meanwhile, Buona Forchetta’s owners expressed heartbreak over the incident and pledged support for their detained employees and their families.
The community has rallied around the restaurant, leaving flowers and messages of solidarity at the South Park location. All Buona Forchetta restaurants are expected to reopen soon as the company and its supporters seek answers and accountability for the unprecedented enforcement action.
