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A dramatic federal immigration raid at a well-known San Diego restaurant has ignited controversy and concern over government methods in the drive to fulfill President Trump's commitment to deport millions. The incident, which occurred late Friday afternoon, was captured on video and widely shared across social media and local news channels.

The footage reveals heavily armed and masked agents in full tactical gear storming the area around Buona Forchetta, a popular Italian eatery. As a crowd of onlookers gathered, recording the scene and shouting their objections, a flash-bang grenade was deployed, sending smoke billowing through the street.

According to a special agent from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the operation was part of a "criminal search warrant" related to a workplace raid. Reports from witnesses indicate that agents initially handcuffed the entire restaurant staff while checking their identification. Although accounts vary, it is confirmed that several employees were detained.

Despite attempts by NPR to obtain further details, both DHS' Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the restaurant remained silent on Saturday. One visibly distressed restaurant worker recounted to KPBS the harrowing events as her colleagues were handcuffed just before they were set to open the restaurant.

The local community responded vigorously, with some individuals blocking an unmarked DHS vehicle and hurling profanities at the agents, accusing them of being fascists. The tension escalated when agents used sirens and a smoke device to disperse the crowd.

There are also reports suggesting the potential involvement of San Diego police in the raid, but the specifics of their role remain uncertain as the San Diego Police Department did not respond to inquiries from NPR.