### Federal Immigration Raid at San Diego Restaurant Sparks Chaos and Protests

A dramatic federal immigration raid at Buona Forchetta, a well-known Italian restaurant in San Diego, has ignited controversy and public outcry over governmental immigration tactics. The incident occurred late Friday afternoon when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, armed and masked in full tactical gear, descended upon the popular dining spot to execute a criminal search warrant.

Witnesses captured the scene on video, showing a crowd gathering near the restaurant, filming the raid and loudly protesting the presence of the federal agents. The tension peaked when a flash-bang grenade exploded, releasing smoke and heightening the chaotic atmosphere. One special agent from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told KPBS, an NPR member station, that the raid involved a criminal search warrant.

Reports from witnesses suggest that ICE agents initially handcuffed all staff members as they sought ID verification. Despite varying accounts regarding the number of workers detained, it is clear that several employees were taken into custody. A visibly distressed worker recounted to KPBS how her colleagues were handcuffed just before the restaurant's scheduled opening.

As the crowd's frustration grew, they obstructed an unmarked DHS vehicle, hurling profanities and branding the agents as fascists. The situation escalated when the agents used sirens and deployed a smoke device to disperse the agitated protesters.

While the San Diego Police Department acknowledged being asked to assist, they stated that their officers arrived after federal agents had already left and did not engage in any enforcement actions. ICE and the restaurant have yet to respond to inquiries from NPR for further comments on the incident.

This event has drawn significant attention, raising serious questions about the methods employed by federal authorities to enforce immigration laws under the current administration.