San Diego Officials, Activists Denounce ICE Raids in South Park

A recent ICE raid in San Diego's South Park neighborhood, involving heavily armed agents deploying flash-bang grenades at two Italian restaurants, has sparked significant community outrage and condemnation from local leaders. Four individuals, including three Mexican nationals and one Colombian, were detained during the operation, which was authorized by a federal magistrate judge and alleged violations related to hiring and harboring undocumented workers. Community organizations, faith leaders, and immigrant rights advocates have labeled the raid a violent and disruptive act, organizing press conferences and protests to denounce what they call 'weaponized hatred and racism.' Several Democratic lawmakers, including Representatives Juan Vargas, Scott Peters, Sara Jacobs, and Mike Levin, along with Mayor Todd Gloria, criticized the raid's tactics and the impact on the community, demanding accountability and a review of warrant approval processes. The incident has also raised concerns about the targeting of non-criminal individuals and the trauma inflicted on residents, with calls for more humane immigration enforcement approaches. Despite the tense situation, ICE officials defended their actions as necessary to enforce immigration laws and ensure officer safety amid growing protester interference.