New York: On the evening of May 30, 2025, a dramatic federal immigration raid unfolded at Buona Forchetta, a beloved Italian restaurant in San Diego’s South Park neighborhood. Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted simultaneous operations at Buona Forchetta and its adjacent Enoteca Buona Forchetta, leading to the detention of several employees.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and debate within the community.
The Raid: What Happened?
According to reports, ICE agents arrived at the restaurants around 4 p.m., presenting search warrants and detaining employees. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with agents handcuffing staff members and leading them out of the establishments. Some employees were reportedly taken through the back exits to avoid the growing crowd of onlookers. In an effort to disperse the crowd, agents deployed what appeared to be smoke devices.
The use of such tactics during a dinner service at a popular neighborhood restaurant has raised questions about the necessity and timing of the operation. San Diego City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn expressed his concerns, stating, “People have a right to due process. Our neighbors who are immigrants are vital to the fabric of our city, and they deserve to live without fear or intimidation. San Diego must remain a city where fairness, humanity, and the rule of law prevail.”
Community Reaction
The South Park community, known for its tight-knit and inclusive atmosphere, reacted swiftly to the incident. Many residents and patrons expressed their shock and dismay, gathering outside the restaurants to protest the raid. Videos circulating on social media show bystanders confronting the agents, with some chanting and recording the events as they unfolded.
Employees of Buona Forchetta were visibly shaken. Claire Cody, a worker at the restaurant, recounted arriving for her shift to find federal agents detaining her colleagues. “I just started crying because I knew what was happening,” she said, expressing concern for her coworkers and their families.
Proud of my ‘hood, @SouthParkSD for fighting back and showing their immense displeasure at ICE for raiding Buona Forchetta early this evening. Shame. pic.twitter.com/ot3lQ8mjVN
— jwalcher (@jwalcher) May 31, 2025
Unbelievable! 🤬🤬🤬
Today, San Diego witnessed a government-sanctioned kidnapping. ICE stormed Buona Forchetta in military gear ripping workers away, then unleashing tear gas and smoke on the terrified community.Full on police state, fascism now used on American citizens.… pic.twitter.com/YrnxL1pKG1
— Jennifer Get In Good Trouble (@TheJenniWren) May 31, 2025
Broader Implications
This raid is part of a series of recent ICE operations targeting workplaces in the San Diego area. Just two months prior, agents detained 15 individuals at an industrial paint shop in El Cajon. These actions have ignited debates about immigration enforcement policies and their impact on local communities.
The incident at Buona Forchetta has also drawn attention to the challenges faced by undocumented workers in the hospitality industry. Advocates argue that such enforcement actions can lead to fear and instability among immigrant communities, potentially deterring individuals from reporting labor violations or seeking assistance.
Moving Forward
As the investigation continues, community leaders and residents are calling for transparency and dialogue. There is a growing demand for policies that balance the enforcement of immigration laws with the protection of human rights and community trust.
Buona Forchetta, known for its Neapolitan-style pizza and welcoming atmosphere, remains a cherished establishment in South Park. The hope among many is that the restaurant can recover from this incident and continue to serve as a gathering place for the community.
