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ICE Detains Workers During Raid at Buona Forchetta in San Diego

Owner Matteo Cattaneo is seeking information on the detained employees' status ahead of the eatery's planned Saturday reopening.

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)

Overview

  • ICE San Diego agents arrived around 4:30 p.m. Friday, deploying roughly 20–25 officers to surround Buona Forchetta and its sister restaurant.
  • Several employees were handcuffed and taken into custody after being unable to produce identification, according to general manager Renato Ametrano.
  • The enforcement action traumatized staff and prompted the South Park location to close for dinner on Friday night.
  • ICE confirmed it conducted two worksite operations at the restaurants but declined to provide further details, citing an ongoing investigation.
  • Buona Forchetta plans to reopen on Saturday while Cattaneo works to determine the legal status and whereabouts of his detained workers.