California Democratic Rep. Sara Jacobs is under fire after choosing to dine at a San Diego restaurant recently targeted by ICE in an immigration enforcement operation. Jacobs, a Qualcomm heiress and third-term congresswoman, posed with wine and pizza at Buona Forchetta to protest the May 30 raid where at least four illegal migrant workers were detained.
Jacobs condemned the federal operation, claiming ICE used flash bangs to arrest “restaurant workers — not hardened criminals.” She posted, “I was proud to have dinner at Buona Forchetta to show my support to them.” Her comments quickly drew backlash from conservative critics, who accused her of glamorizing illegal labor and ignoring the legal and economic consequences.
White House Deputy Communications Director Alex Pfeiffer called her display “elitist,” saying, “Sara enjoys the fruits of illegal immigrant labor, while never experiencing any of the consequences.” Republicans criticized the optics of a billionaire politician defending labor practices that allegedly displace legal workers and undercut wages.
Jacobs also condemned President Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard units to Los Angeles during recent riots over ICE deportations. She called the move an “unnecessary escalation,” aligning with left-wing activists who have violently opposed immigration enforcement in California.
The National Republican Congressional Committee mocked her protest, branding House Democrats as “spoiled elitists” and accusing them of prioritizing virtue signaling over national security and rule of law.
Jacobs previously voted against the bipartisan Laken Riley Act, which authorizes ICE to detain illegal migrants with criminal records. The bill was the first signed into law during President Trump’s second term. Her recent protest follows controversial comments by fellow Democrat Rep. Becca Balint, who argued mass deportations would leave Americans without basic labor.
A spokesperson for Jacobs has not issued further comment on the backlash.
