Immigration Raid at San Diego Restaurant Sparks Chaos and Protests

San Diego, California — An immigration raid at a San Diego restaurant on Friday created a chaotic scene, raising questions about federal enforcement tactics. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents executed a criminal search warrant at Buona Forchetta, a popular Italian eatery.

Video circulating on social media captured the moment armed and masked agents in tactical gear swarmed the area around the restaurant, triggering protests from the crowd that had gathered. Witnesses reported seeing flash-bang grenades deployed, sending smoke billowing into the air as locals voiced their discontent.

A special agent from the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the agents were executing a warrant during the workplace raid. Reports indicate that agents initially handcuffed the entire restaurant crew while asking for identification. Though some workers were detained, the exact number remains unclear, with witness accounts differing.

One employee described her fear as agents handcuffed her coworkers just moments before the restaurant was set to open. As the situation escalated, the crowd attempted to block an unmarked DHS vehicle from leaving, chanting insults at the agents. At one point, federal agents activated sirens and utilized a smoke device to disperse the crowd.

The San Diego Police Department stated they were called to assist with the raid but arrived after the ICE agents had already left the area. According to SDPD, their officers ultimately did not provide assistance or take any enforcement measures.