The closures, which followed a highly publicized worksite enforcement operation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the South Park flagship, sparked widespread community outrage, political condemnation, and a groundswell of public support for the affected workers.
The South Park, Encinitas, San Marcos, Coronado, and San Clemente restaurants resumed operations on Wednesday, with the latter offering a limited menu of its signature wood-fired pizzas. The remaining two locations - Officine Buona Forchetta at Liberty Station and the Newport Beach outpost - remain closed for now. According to the restaurant’s social media pages, Liberty Station will be shuttered through the end of the week, while Newport Beach is scheduled to reopen Thursday.
“As our team finds its footing again, we truly appreciate your continued grace and support. Thank you for standing with us,” the company wrote on Instagram.
The raid was executed during Friday’s dinner service and involved federal agents reportedly using flash bang grenades and detaining multiple workers—actions that drew heated criticism from local leaders and immigrant rights advocates. The search warrant, unsealed on June 2, reveals that Homeland Security Investigations received multiple tips alleging Buona Forchetta knowingly employed undocumented workers. Federal agents say they uncovered fraudulent green cards tied to at least 19 employees and concluded that management failed to use standard employment verification tools like E-Verify.
While the restaurant said in a statement that it only recently obtained a copy of the warrant and is reviewing it with legal counsel, new details have continued to emerge. A whistleblower who claimed to be a former employee claims that undocumented staff were paid solely through a tip pool and denied hourly wages - potential violations of both federal labor law and California’s wage protections, which apply to all workers regardless of immigration status.
Amid the controversy, community solidarity has surged. A GoFundMe campaign launched by South Park neighbors and small business owners in the wake of the raid has raised nearly $125,000 - more than double its original $60,000 goal. On Wednesday, organizers released a detailed update clarifying how the funds will be distributed.
According to the post, a nonprofit organization is being formed to withdraw and manage the donations. Once the nonprofit structure is finalized and approved by GoFundMe, funds will be evenly distributed among the four workers detained during the raid and their families, covering immediate and long-term needs. Organizers emphasized that the affected individuals will have the opportunity to approve the plan before disbursement begins.
"This community has shown extraordinary love and support," the fundraiser team wrote. "Your kindness is not only lifting up these families - it’s sending a powerful message of unity, love, and hope."
The GoFundMe update marked the first public disclosure regarding the fund’s management, following early questions about transparency and the identities of the campaign's creators. Organizers stated they acted quickly to fill a gap in support for the affected workers, leveraging deep neighborhood ties to raise awareness and deliver direct aid.
The federal investigation remains ongoing. No charges have been filed against Buona Forchetta owner Matteo Cattaneo or the business itself. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and U.S. Representatives Juan Vargas and Sara Jacobs have called for a review of the enforcement tactics used, condemning what they described as the militarization of immigration raids targeting nonviolent workers. ICE officials have defended their approach, citing the need to detain specific individuals and ensure agent safety.
As Buona Forchetta reopens its doors, it does so under a spotlight. For some, the restaurant remains a cherished neighborhood institution. For others, the unfolding case reveals deeper truths about the hidden labor dynamics underpinning the hospitality industry. It appears the story is far from over.
The South Park, Encinitas, San Marcos, Coronado, and San Clemente restaurants resumed operations on Wednesday, with the latter offering a limited menu of its signature wood-fired pizzas. The remaining two locations - Officine Buona Forchetta at Liberty Station and the Newport Beach outpost - remain closed for now. According to the restaurant’s social media pages, Liberty Station will be shuttered through the end of the week, while Newport Beach is scheduled to reopen Thursday.
“As our team finds its footing again, we truly appreciate your continued grace and support. Thank you for standing with us,” the company wrote on Instagram.
The raid was executed during Friday’s dinner service and involved federal agents reportedly using flash bang grenades and detaining multiple workers—actions that drew heated criticism from local leaders and immigrant rights advocates. The search warrant, unsealed on June 2, reveals that Homeland Security Investigations received multiple tips alleging Buona Forchetta knowingly employed undocumented workers. Federal agents say they uncovered fraudulent green cards tied to at least 19 employees and concluded that management failed to use standard employment verification tools like E-Verify.
While the restaurant said in a statement that it only recently obtained a copy of the warrant and is reviewing it with legal counsel, new details have continued to emerge. A whistleblower who claimed to be a former employee claims that undocumented staff were paid solely through a tip pool and denied hourly wages - potential violations of both federal labor law and California’s wage protections, which apply to all workers regardless of immigration status.
Amid the controversy, community solidarity has surged. A GoFundMe campaign launched by South Park neighbors and small business owners in the wake of the raid has raised nearly $125,000 - more than double its original $60,000 goal. On Wednesday, organizers released a detailed update clarifying how the funds will be distributed.
According to the post, a nonprofit organization is being formed to withdraw and manage the donations. Once the nonprofit structure is finalized and approved by GoFundMe, funds will be evenly distributed among the four workers detained during the raid and their families, covering immediate and long-term needs. Organizers emphasized that the affected individuals will have the opportunity to approve the plan before disbursement begins.
"This community has shown extraordinary love and support," the fundraiser team wrote. "Your kindness is not only lifting up these families - it’s sending a powerful message of unity, love, and hope."
The GoFundMe update marked the first public disclosure regarding the fund’s management, following early questions about transparency and the identities of the campaign's creators. Organizers stated they acted quickly to fill a gap in support for the affected workers, leveraging deep neighborhood ties to raise awareness and deliver direct aid.
The federal investigation remains ongoing. No charges have been filed against Buona Forchetta owner Matteo Cattaneo or the business itself. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and U.S. Representatives Juan Vargas and Sara Jacobs have called for a review of the enforcement tactics used, condemning what they described as the militarization of immigration raids targeting nonviolent workers. ICE officials have defended their approach, citing the need to detain specific individuals and ensure agent safety.
As Buona Forchetta reopens its doors, it does so under a spotlight. For some, the restaurant remains a cherished neighborhood institution. For others, the unfolding case reveals deeper truths about the hidden labor dynamics underpinning the hospitality industry. It appears the story is far from over.
Originally published on June 4, 2025.
