A year after immigration agents raided the popular Buona Forchetta restaurant in South Park, Rep. Scott Peters has warned that harassment and mass deportations are quietly continuing in San Diego.
The warning comes after 50 people were ordered deported in the first "mega" master immigration hearings in the city, part of a national effort by the Department of Justice to fast-track deportations. Peters criticized the Trump administration for funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to an "unheard of" extent, noting that the agency's budget now exceeds that of the entire Israeli military.
He expressed strong opposition to the $70 billion authorized for ICE last week, calling the crackdowns "very bad for San Diego." According to Peters, approximately 850,000 immigrants live in San Diego County, making up more than 21% of the population. Many of these individuals have legal status through Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or green cards but are still being harassed.
He described the current situation as an "indiscriminate cleansing of immigrants from the United States" that is both unnecessary and political. While the administration has shifted away from militaristic demonstrations seen in cities like Minneapolis and Los Angeles, Peters warned that the targeting of vulnerable people continues more quietly.
For example, individuals are now being picked up on their way to court-mandated hearings or green card appointments instead of being arrested in the streets. Peters emphasized the importance of community vigilance and volunteer networks in protecting immigrants and asylum-seekers.
He also introduced the Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act, which would require ICE and Border Patrol agents to wear body cameras and masks, aligning their standards with those of local law enforcement. He urged Americans to speak out against violent removals and recognize that the loss of immigrants harms society as a whole, making it less vibrant and resilient.