San Diego lawmakers demand federal investigation into ICE raid at local restaurants
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Local and state lawmakers are calling for a federal investigation into a recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid that took place at two popular San Diego restaurants. The operation, which occurred on May 30 at Buona Forchetta and Enoteca Buona Forchetta, has sparked outrage over what critics describe as 'excessive' and 'theatrical' enforcement tactics.
In a formal letter sent to ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), along with Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50) and Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), demanded an investigation into the use of force, legal compliance, and community impact of the raid. The lawmakers cited reports that approximately 20 ICE agents in military-style gear entered the restaurants during peak dining hours, deploying flash-bang grenades and detaining four employees. Witnesses say the raid caused panic among patrons and staff.
RELATED: Outrage and solidarity after ICE raid shakes South Park restaurant
'This troubling incident is not an isolated case,' the lawmakers wrote. 'Rather, it appears to be part of a broader pattern of escalated and theatrical immigration enforcement operations across the country.'
The lawmakers pointed to other recent ICE actions — including a raid at a Los Angeles nightclub and an arrest in Massachusetts where agents smashed in a car window to detain a Guatemalan man — as part of what they describe as a disturbing trend of high-profile, aggressive tactics targeting immigrant communities.
The raid has drawn strong criticism from local leaders, including San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, who condemned its impact on public trust, safety and the local economy. Community advocates also expressed concern about the effect the operation could have on immigrants' willingness to report crimes or engage with law enforcement.
The letter outlines several questions for ICE, including what threat assessments justified the use of flash-bang devices in a civilian dining environment, whether legal protocols were followed, and whether local authorities were consulted beforehand.
RELATED: California senator slams ICE raid at South Park restaurants: 'weaponized hate'
Padilla, Schiff, Peters, and Vargas also raised concerns about broader immigration enforcement practices under the Trump Administration, linking the San Diego operation to what they called a 'misuse' of federal power aimed at instilling fear rather than ensuring public safety.
Along with their call for an investigation, the lawmakers also sent a separate letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, expressing alarm over ICE agents targeting immigrants at courthouses, including the San Diego Immigration Court.
The ICE raid has become a flashpoint in California's ongoing struggle with federal immigration enforcement, especially in sanctuary cities where officials have sought to create a more welcoming environment for immigrant communities.
The lawmakers have requested a detailed report from ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility by July 7. As of now, ICE has not publicly responded to the demands.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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