San Diego ICE Raid Sparks Outcry Over Immigration Enforcement Tactics

Federal Agents’ Raid on San Diego Restaurant Sparks Public Outcry

In a dramatic scene captured on social media, federal agents executed a raid at a well-known San Diego eatery, drawing significant public attention and sparking debates over immigration enforcement strategies. The incident underscores the ongoing efforts to meet national goals on immigration control.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents execute a criminal search warrant on Friday, at the Buona Forchetta Italian restaurant in San Diego. Lara McCaffrey/KPBS

The raid took place late Friday afternoon at Buona Forchetta, a popular Italian restaurant, where armed agents in full tactical gear descended upon the premises. A video shared online captured the tense moments as nearby onlookers voiced their opposition, surrounding vehicles and capturing the events with their phones. In a sudden flash, a device resembling a flash-bang grenade was used, sending smoke billowing into the air.

According to a KPBS report, officials from the Department of Homeland Security were executing a criminal search warrant during this operation. Initial reports indicate that the entire restaurant staff was temporarily handcuffed while agents checked for identification, and multiple employees were taken into custody, although the exact number remains disputed among witnesses.

ICE agents used what appeared to be a smoke device to disperse the crowd near Buona Forchetta on Friday. Lara McCaffrey/KPBS

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, part of DHS, did not provide immediate comment when contacted by NPR, and neither did the restaurant. During the raid, one employee recounted to KPBS the distressing experience of seeing her coworkers handcuffed just before the restaurant’s scheduled opening.

Local residents reportedly intervened by blocking an unmarked DHS vehicle, using strong language and accusations of fascism against the agents. As tensions escalated, sirens blared, and agents released a smoke device, as noted by KPBS, to disperse the agitated crowd.

Reports suggest the involvement of San Diego police, although the extent of their participation remains uncertain. Attempts to obtain a statement from the San Diego Police Department were unsuccessful as of Saturday.