On May 30, 2025, the quiet charm of San Diego’s South Park neighborhood shattered when an ICE raid at Buona Forchetta South Park, a beloved Italian restaurant, unfolded. Federal agents stormed the eatery, detaining workers in a dramatic worksite enforcement operation. Diners, mid-bite, watched in shock as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers handcuffed staff and escorted them out. The community’s response was swift—residents gathered, some throwing objects to protest the aggressive tactics. This wasn’t just a routine check; it sparked outrage, closed a cherished restaurant, and raised questions about immigration enforcement in 2025.
A Community Staple Disrupted
Buona Forchetta, often hailed as one of America’s best Italian restaurants, sits at the heart of South Park’s vibrant dining scene. Known for its wood-fired pizzas and warm atmosphere, it’s a place where locals gather to celebrate life’s moments. The ICE raid at Buona Forchetta South Park turned this haven upside down. Around 5:30 p.m., agents arrived in military-style gear, targeting both Buona Forchetta and its sister venue, Enoteca Buona Forchetta. Reports indicate at least two to three workers were detained after failing to produce identification. The restaurant’s general manager, Renato Ametrano, described the scene as traumatic, with employees, including students, zip-tied and interrogated.
The operation wasn’t subtle. Witnesses reported a flash bang or smoke device used to disperse a growing crowd outside. Customers, expecting a cozy dinner, found themselves in a tense standoff. A sign reading “we’re closed” was hastily posted at the restaurant’s entrance, a stark contrast to the usual line of eager patrons.
Why Target Buona Forchetta?
The ICE raid at Buona Forchetta South Park caught many off guard, including Ametrano, who said he had no clue what prompted the action. ICE confirmed the operation as part of broader worksite enforcement efforts in San Diego. Speculation points to the restaurant being on ICE’s radar for some time, possibly due to employment records or tips about undocumented workers. While no official arrests were detailed in initial reports, the detentions sent ripples through the community.
South Park, known for its progressive vibe, didn’t take the raid lightly. Residents rallied, some blocking ICE vehicles and others voicing their anger online. The operation highlighted a broader tension: the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown, which has seen ICE target businesses nationwide. In 2025 alone, ICE has ramped up arrests, with daily targets of 1,200 to 1,500 detentions, a sharp rise from the Biden era’s 282 daily average.
| Key Details of the ICE Raid | |
|---|---|
| Date | May 30, 2025 |
| Location | Buona Forchetta, South Park |
| Workers Detained | 2–3 (exact number unconfirmed) |
| Community Response | Protests, objects thrown at ICE |
| ICE’s Stated Purpose | Worksite enforcement operation |
A Neighborhood Fights Back
The ICE raid at Buona Forchetta South Park wasn’t just a federal operation; it became a community flashpoint. Locals, proud of their tight-knit neighborhood, pushed back hard. Social media buzzed with videos of residents confronting agents, some chanting against ICE’s tactics. One resident reportedly threw trash at vehicles, a bold act of defiance. Activists like Pedro Rios, from the American Friends Service Committee, witnessed workers in plastic handcuffs, a sight that fueled calls to abolish ICE.
The raid’s fallout lingers. Buona Forchetta and Enoteca remain closed, leaving staff and owners reeling. Ametrano defended the restaurant’s ownership, led by Matteo Cattaneo, insisting they operate ethically. Yet, the lack of transparency about why ICE targeted the restaurant has left many uneasy. Was it random, or part of a larger pattern? Similar raids have hit businesses in Philadelphia, Texas, and New Jersey in 2025, suggesting a coordinated push.
What’s Next for South Park?
The ICE raid at Buona Forchetta South Park has left scars. For a neighborhood that prides itself on inclusivity, the heavy-handed tactics feel like a betrayal. Workers, many of whom are students or long-time employees, face uncertainty. The community, meanwhile, is grappling with how to respond. Some call for boycotts of businesses complying with ICE, while others demand clearer answers from federal authorities.
This incident underscores a broader debate about immigration enforcement in 2025. With ICE’s operations intensifying, communities like South Park are caught in the crossfire. The raid isn’t just about one restaurant—it’s a symbol of a divided nation wrestling with policy, humanity, and justice. For now, Buona Forchetta’s ovens are cold, but the conversation it sparked burns bright.
Stay informed about the ICE raid at Buona Forchetta South Park and its impact. Share your thoughts, support local businesses, and join the dialogue on immigration reform. Together, we can push for a fairer future.