Federal documents on Buona Forchetta ICE raid released

Yahoo

03-06-2025

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Newly obtained documents reveal what led to the Department of Homeland Security raid on Buona Forchetta Friday evening.
About a week prior to the raid, Homeland Security officers staked out the property, attempting to find 19 apparent undocumented employees.
That surveillance ultimately led to the dramatic scene on Friday where frustration and anger boiled over in front of the restaurant in South Park.
'We started hearing these bangs,' South Park resident Sara Kincaid said while she was out at the dog park with her dog.
The protest erupting as federal agents showed up to the restaurant, detaining at least two employees.
Buona Forchetta to close temporarily following ICE raid in South Park
'I couldn't tell if they were shotguns or flash bangs, so we kind of stayed over there and were just freaked out,' South Park resident Marshall Nolen said.
According to the search warrant, DHS believes 19 people, or about half of the employees at Buona Forchetta, did not have the proper documentation to work at the restaurant.
'Wow, this is hitting so close to home,' Kincaid said. 'You hear about it in the news, but you don't usually expect to see it in your backyard.'
DHS received their first tip about the Italian diner five years ago when a tipster claimed the owner, Matteo Cattaneo, employed people not authorized to work in the United States and forced them to work 12-hour shifts without any breaks.
'I've never gone in there and seen an unhappy face. I mean Matteo's someone who is very vital to the community. He does a lot for San Diego,' Kincaid said about the owner.
Homeland Security investigators received their second tip in January 2025, saying the business employed undocumented workers, but this tipster made no claims of mistreatment.
'It didn't feel like all the tactical gear and the flash bang was necessary,' South Park resident Erica Nolen said.
DHS officers planned to conduct the raid in the evening hours because that's when most of the target employees arrive at the restaurant.
'If we're actually here to administer justice, then display your evidence,' Marshall Nolen said. 'Display your reasoning. Don't just roll in with a bunch of tactical gear in a neighborhood with people wearing flip flops. You know like, c'mon.'
Buona Forchetta shut down all their locations on Monday and Tuesday, saying in a statement, 'The traumatic incident involving a federal enforcement operation at our original and beloved South Park location has left a mark on all of us. A wound that is still raw, still echoing in our kitchens, our dining rooms and our hearts.'
The statement went on to thank the community for showing up with flowers and signs in support of the business.
'I love how our industry comes together, how the community comes together,' Kincaid said after seeing the response while eating at the restaurant on Saturday.
Several community members and businesses in South Park started a GoFundMe to support the detained employees and their families.
In less than 24 hours, they have exceeded their goal of $60,000.
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