### ICE Raid at San Diego's Buona Forchetta Uncovers Immigration Violations

SAN DIEGO - New details have emerged about the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at Buona Forchetta, a favorite Italian restaurant in South Park, following the execution of search warrants. The warrants, acquired by CBS 8, document that the raid came in response to a tip received by federal authorities on November 1, 2020, alleging the employment of undocumented immigrants at the establishment. However, the informant also accused Matteo Cattaneo, the restaurant's owner, of employee mistreatment, including requiring shifts over 12 hours without breaks and engaging in verbal abuse.

Continuing inquiries led Homeland Security Investigations to another tip received on January 31, 2025. This recent notice reiterated that the restaurant employed undocumented workers but did not revisit the mistreatment allegations. Agents acting on this information visited the restaurant in February, demanding employee documentation. It was then discovered that 19 employees, nearly half the restaurant's workforce, had presented fraudulent green cards.

Detailed inspection of the green cards revealed inconsistencies that marked them as counterfeit. Investigators noted discrepancies such as incorrect font styles and positions for names and birthdates, substandard-quality photographs, and inconsistent holograms and authentication marks.

Through extended investigation, agents were able to identify seven employees using these counterfeit green cards. Although these individuals had prior immigration violations, none possessed violent criminal histories. The remaining twelve employees using fake documents could not be conclusively identified.

The surveillance operation around Buona Forchetta began on May 22 and continued on May 23 and 25. The follow-up search warrant, signed by Judge Karen Crawford on May 29, was executed a day later, on May 30. The raid resulted in the arrest of four undocumented workers who were employed as dishwashers and servers. Congressional sources, including the office of Congressman Scott Peters, identified three of those detained as being from Mexico and one from Colombia. One individual may have self-deported, while the others are being held at the Otay Mesa Detention Center.

Matteo Cattaneo, owner of the restaurant, faces serious legal consequences, including potential fines and imprisonment, for the intentional hiring of undocumented immigrants. The investigation underscores the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address employment-related immigration violations.