Victor Rodriguez Ocampo, 54, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on the morning of October 31 outside his National City home. He is currently being held at the Otay Mesa Detention Center. According to his family, Rodriguez has lived in the United States for decades and has repeatedly attempted to obtain legal status, including through work permit and residency applications, while supporting his three U.S.-born children and operating La Playa Taco Shop on Mission Boulevard in Pacific Beach along with his wife and children.
The restaurant, a staple in Pacific Beach for nearly 30 years, continues to operate under the management of Rodriguez’s family. His detention has created significant strain on the business, which is heavily reliant on his daily involvement.
Family members allege that Rodriguez was detained during a multi-vehicle ICE operation and that he has no criminal history. They report that he has long maintained tax compliance, operated with all required permits, and attempted to resolve his immigration status through official channels over many years. His detention occurred shortly after his wife advanced to the next stage of her own legal residency process, while his applications were previously denied.
Rodriguez’s family has retained an immigration attorney to challenge the detention and potential deportation. They also assert concerns about his health and treatment in custody, alleging inadequate food and care.
The situation has galvanized extensive community support. La Playa Taco Shop is widely regarded as a longstanding neighborhood fixture, and many patrons consider Rodriguez an integral part of the Pacific Beach small-business community. Customers and supporters have begun submitting letters to federal authorities requesting his release and emphasizing his role as a long-established business owner with deep local ties.
Rodriguez’s family has retained an immigration attorney to challenge the detention and potential deportation. They also assert concerns about his health and treatment in custody, alleging inadequate food and care.
The situation has galvanized extensive community support. La Playa Taco Shop is widely regarded as a longstanding neighborhood fixture, and many patrons consider Rodriguez an integral part of the Pacific Beach small-business community. Customers and supporters have begun submitting letters to federal authorities requesting his release and emphasizing his role as a long-established business owner with deep local ties.
A GoFundMe campaign created by Rodriguez’s son is raising money to assist with legal fees, operational expenses, and family support during the detention. As of Thursday evening, the fundraiser had collected nearly $5,000. His son is scheduled to depart for Navy boot camp next month, and the family is seeking expedited relief prior to his departure.
La Playa Taco Shop remains open, but the family has stated that the business faces significant operational challenges without its longtime owner present. The fundraiser, “Help Bring Victor Home & Save La Playa Taco Shop,” remains active as the family awaits updates on Rodriguez’s case.
La Playa Taco Shop remains open, but the family has stated that the business faces significant operational challenges without its longtime owner present. The fundraiser, “Help Bring Victor Home & Save La Playa Taco Shop,” remains active as the family awaits updates on Rodriguez’s case.
La Playa Taco Shop is located at 3973 Mission Boulevard in San Diego's Pacific Beach. To learn more about the situation and to make a donation, visit the GoFundMe campaign.
Originally published on November 20, 2025.
