Buona Forchetta South Park Shuts Down After ICE Raid—What Really Happened Inside?

Buona Forchetta South Park Shuts Down After ICE Raid—What Really Happened Inside?

Buona Forchetta’s flagship South Park restaurant in San Diego was thrust into the national spotlight after a dramatic ICE worksite enforcement operation late last week. The popular Italian eatery closed its doors for two days following the raid, which saw heavily armed federal agents detain four employees—three men from Mexico and one from Colombia—on allegations of using fraudulent documents and working without legal authorization.

The investigation began with a tip in November 2020, claiming that Buona Forchetta’s owner knowingly employed undocumented workers and subjected them to 12-hour shifts without breaks. Federal search warrants allege that employees submitted counterfeit green cards, nearly half the staff, and that the restaurant accepted these as proof of eligibility to work The warrants also cite possible labor exploitation and the use of false identification documents.

The raid quickly escalated when community members gathered outside the restaurant, leading ICE agents to deploy flash bang devices to disperse the crowd and exit safely The operation, involving at least agents in tactical gear, was criticized by local officials for its intensity and the trauma it caused staff and the community.

Buona Forchetta’s management expressed heartbreak over the incident and announced the temporary closure of all its locations in San Diego and Orange counties to regroup. The company is now working with legal counsel and supporting the detained employees and their families The restaurant has since reopened to a wave of community support as the federal investigation continues.

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