A newly unsealed federal document is shedding light on the circumstances surrounding last week’s dramatic ICE raid at Buona Forchetta's flagship South Park location, indicating the popular Italian restaurant may have been violating several employment and labor laws.
Revelations are surfacing that could dramatically expand the scope - and public perception - of the federal investigation into Buona Forchetta, a beloved San Diego Italian restaurant group whose South Park location was raided by Homeland Security Investigations on May 30. While ICE has confirmed the raid was a "worksite enforcement action," details from a newly uncovered warrant and firsthand allegations suggest that the restaurant's labor practices may have crossed serious legal and ethical boundaries.
While initial reactions focused on the use of flash bang grenades and tactical agents during a busy dinner service, the federal warrant affidavit paints a more complex picture. Submitted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent Michael Hensley, the 34-page document, which was unsealed on June 2, details a years-long investigation into alleged labor and immigration violations at Buona Forchetta.
The warrant application also reveals that federal agents received tips as early as 2020 accusing owner Matteo Cattaneo of knowingly employing undocumented workers and exploiting their vulnerable status by requiring long shifts without breaks. A second tip in January 2025 alleged that illegal workers were being scheduled under false names. Surveillance and audits followed, culminating in the heavily-publicized May 30 enforcement action.
According to the warrant, federal agents conducted surveillance on multiple days leading up to the raid to identify workers suspected of using fraudulent documents. On the day of the raid, agents detained four workers and handcuffed others as part of an effort to determine if they were among the 19 targeted employees. The affidavit explains that officers planned the operation to coincide with peak employee presence and intended to fingerprint individuals as needed, explaining why it was carried out during Friday evening's dinner service.
ICE officials defended the decision to conduct the operation during peak hours, noting that the timing was necessary to ensure the presence of the targeted individuals. Todd Lyons, ICE's acting director, became emotional during a recent press conference when defending the agency’s tactics. He explained that officers wear masks to protect their identities due to threats and harassment. Lyons also responded to criticism from San Diego Councilman Sean Elo-Rivera, who had labeled ICE agents as "terrorists" following the raid.
ICE officials defended the decision to conduct the operation during peak hours, noting that the timing was necessary to ensure the presence of the targeted individuals. Todd Lyons, ICE's acting director, became emotional during a recent press conference when defending the agency’s tactics. He explained that officers wear masks to protect their identities due to threats and harassment. Lyons also responded to criticism from San Diego Councilman Sean Elo-Rivera, who had labeled ICE agents as "terrorists" following the raid.
Adding to the controversy, a former employee has come forward with allegations that echo and expand on the government's claims. In messages shared with SanDiegoVille, the individual alleges that Cattaneo intentionally staffed undocumented workers to avoid paying hourly wages, instead allowing them to earn only through the restaurant’s tip pool. This practice, the source claims, not only saved Buona Forchetta money amid rising minimum wage laws but unfairly burdened legal employees whose earnings were diluted. The source further accused the restaurant of wage theft and tax fraud, and claims multiple former and current employees can corroborate the story.
The whistleblower's message aligns with key aspects of the federal case, including the willful hiring of undocumented workers and the financial motives behind it. The warrant notes that employers sometimes exploit undocumented labor to reduce costs, avoid wage laws, and decrease the likelihood of complaints - a pattern that mirrors the former employee’s claims about being undercut and disregarded despite legal employment status.
California labor law guarantees minimum wage and overtime protections to all workers, regardless of immigration status. Employers who fail to pay hourly wages, rely improperly on tip pools, or neglect to verify employment eligibility using tools like E-Verify can face state and federal penalties.
Federal law prohibits knowingly hiring individuals not authorized to work in the United States. But the implications go deeper. If Cattaneo intentionally used undocumented staff to game wage requirements while forcing them to work for tips alone, this could trigger a range of additional labor and tax violations, including IRS scrutiny and potential restitution claims by displaced legal workers.
Buona Forchetta's response to the raid has focused on the trauma caused to staff and community members. Cattaneo stated that "Buona Forchetta is a family, not a business." But for some, that "family" culture may have been weaponized to excuse the underpayment or exclusion of those who followed the rules. On June 1, the restaurant chain announced it would close all locations across San Diego and Orange County on Monday and Tuesday to give employees a chance to rest and recuperate. They are expected to resume normal operations on Wednesday, June 4.
The whistleblower's message aligns with key aspects of the federal case, including the willful hiring of undocumented workers and the financial motives behind it. The warrant notes that employers sometimes exploit undocumented labor to reduce costs, avoid wage laws, and decrease the likelihood of complaints - a pattern that mirrors the former employee’s claims about being undercut and disregarded despite legal employment status.
California labor law guarantees minimum wage and overtime protections to all workers, regardless of immigration status. Employers who fail to pay hourly wages, rely improperly on tip pools, or neglect to verify employment eligibility using tools like E-Verify can face state and federal penalties.
Federal law prohibits knowingly hiring individuals not authorized to work in the United States. But the implications go deeper. If Cattaneo intentionally used undocumented staff to game wage requirements while forcing them to work for tips alone, this could trigger a range of additional labor and tax violations, including IRS scrutiny and potential restitution claims by displaced legal workers.
Buona Forchetta's response to the raid has focused on the trauma caused to staff and community members. Cattaneo stated that "Buona Forchetta is a family, not a business." But for some, that "family" culture may have been weaponized to excuse the underpayment or exclusion of those who followed the rules. On June 1, the restaurant chain announced it would close all locations across San Diego and Orange County on Monday and Tuesday to give employees a chance to rest and recuperate. They are expected to resume normal operations on Wednesday, June 4.
A GoFundMe campaign launched shortly after the May 30 ICE raid has raised over $115,000 for “Support for Detained Buona Forchetta Employees,” purportedly to cover legal fees, lost wages, and basic living expenses for those arrested. While the fundraising language strikes a tone of heartfelt solidarity - signed by "South Park Neighbors & Small Business Owners" - the actual organizers remain unidentified. SanDiegoVille reached out to GoFundMe representatives and attempted to contact the organizer directly through the platform, but as of publication, no names or affiliations have been confirmed.
The community response has included rallies and supportive signage outside the South Park restaurant, while Democratic leaders - including U.S. Representatives Juan Vargas and Sara Jacobs and Mayor Todd Gloria - have publicly condemned the operation. At a press conference outside the federal courthouse, they questioned the necessity and legality of the tactics used, including detaining all employees regardless of immigration status. Federal officials have defended their actions, citing agent safety and alleging harassment from protestors at the scene.
As the case unfolds, San Diego's hospitality community finds itself caught between dueling narratives. Some view Buona Forchetta as a neighborhood anchor unfairly targeted by immigration authorities. Others, including industry insiders, suggest the raid was the result of long-standing and well-known violations. No criminal charges have yet been filed against Cattaneo or the business, and ICE has stated the investigation is ongoing.
SanDiegoVille continues to investigate this developing story and encourages those with relevant information or firsthand accounts to reach out confidentially by emailing [email protected].
The community response has included rallies and supportive signage outside the South Park restaurant, while Democratic leaders - including U.S. Representatives Juan Vargas and Sara Jacobs and Mayor Todd Gloria - have publicly condemned the operation. At a press conference outside the federal courthouse, they questioned the necessity and legality of the tactics used, including detaining all employees regardless of immigration status. Federal officials have defended their actions, citing agent safety and alleging harassment from protestors at the scene.
As the case unfolds, San Diego's hospitality community finds itself caught between dueling narratives. Some view Buona Forchetta as a neighborhood anchor unfairly targeted by immigration authorities. Others, including industry insiders, suggest the raid was the result of long-standing and well-known violations. No criminal charges have yet been filed against Cattaneo or the business, and ICE has stated the investigation is ongoing.
SanDiegoVille continues to investigate this developing story and encourages those with relevant information or firsthand accounts to reach out confidentially by emailing [email protected].
Originally published on June 3, 2025.