SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A demonstration unfolded in South Park on Saturday afternoon as dozens of community members gathered to protest recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids at local restaurants and across Southern California as a whole.
The rally, organized by local grassroots organizations, took place near Buona Forchetta and Enoteca Buona Forchetta, which had been the focus of ICE operations in late May. During that incident, multiple employees were detained and witnesses reported a heavy presence of law enforcement, including the use of flashbangs and smoke grenades to disperse crowds.
Local and state lawmakers have since called for a federal investigation into the raid. In a formal letter sent to ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), along with Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50) and Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), demanded an investigation into the use of force, legal compliance, and community impact of the raid.
On Saturday, protesters held signs reading “Stop the Raids” and “Immigrants Make America Great,” expressing solidarity with those affected by the enforcement actions. The demonstration aimed to raise awareness about the impact of such raids on local businesses and immigrant communities.
The weekend protest was part of a broader movement across San Diego County, where residents have been voicing their opposition to increased immigration enforcement. Demonstrations have been held in various neighborhoods, including Chula Vista, with participants advocating for immigrant rights and denouncing mass deportations.
The most recent demonstration in South Park highlights the growing concerns among residents and activists about the impact of ICE operations on local communities and the implications for immigrant rights across the nation.
This comes amid similar demonstrations in Los Angeles, where a heavy military presence was seen throughout the weekend. National Guard troops began arriving in the city Sunday on orders from President Donald Trump in response to clashes with authorities.
On top of that, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has put Camp Pendleton Marines on high alert to be deployed if needed. This has created another stir in the activist community, with another protest scheduled for Sunday outside the base's Main Gate.
FOX 5/KUSI is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they come into the newsroom.
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