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ICE Detains Employees at Buona Forchetta in South Park Raid

Critics fault heavy-handed enforcement as community groups rally to support detained workers during ICE’s ongoing investigation.

People and law enforcement officers outside Italian restaurant Buona Forchetta in San Diego’s South Park neighborhood on May 30, 2025.
The scene outside Buona Forchetta after ICE agents detained a handful of the restaurant’s employees. (JW August)
Buona Forchetta Restaurant in South Park. May 31, 2025. Photo Credit: NBC 7

Overview

  • ICE agents carried out coordinated worksite enforcement at Buona Forchetta and Enoteca Buona Forchetta on May 30, detaining several employees unable to produce identification.
  • Approximately 20–25 officers surrounded both restaurants, handcuffing staff and deploying flash bangs to disperse a crowd that gathered in protest.
  • The sudden raid forced Buona Forchetta to cancel Friday night service, though the eatery reopened over the weekend under increased community and security presence.
  • Mayor Todd Gloria and Rep. Scott Peters publicly condemned the operation’s tactics and pledged inquiries into federal enforcement practices.
  • ICE confirms the action is part of an ongoing investigation and has provided no further information on its specific targets or outcomes.