SAN DIEGO – The owner of a popular Mission Beach Mexican restaurant was seized and detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Halloween, prompting his family to establish a fundraiser for him and to work for his release.
Victor Rodriguez Ocampo Sr., 54, owner of La Playa Taco Shop at 3973 Mission Blvd., was seized on the morning of Oct. 31 just outside his National City home. He is being held at the Otay Mesa Detention Center while his family, including his son Victor Jr., has stepped in to run his business.
The family has set up an online fundraiser to help pay for their dad’s legal expenses and keep his business functioning in his absence.
The GoFundMe has raised $14,845 of its original $16,000 goal, as well as securing “tons” of sympathetic letters from people who care, according to Victor Rodriguez Jr.
“The support has been immense, and we are eternally grateful. It just shows the impact my dad has had on the community,” he said. “I also think it should shine a light on other families who are facing similar predicaments.”
Rodriguez Jr. said his dad has been running La Playa, a traditional Mexican taco shop, for about 30 years. He added that the ICE raid took their family completely by surprise.
“What really astonished us is we did not have a warning whatsoever,” he said. “There was no card in the mail or anything. He was getting ready early in the morning to pick up ingredients for the restaurant, and as he was getting into his truck, about four (ICE) cars came in and took him.”
Three hours or so later, Rodriguez Jr. got a call from his dad saying, “They picked me up. Take care of your mom. I love you guys.”
“My dad is a strong family man who has always put others before himself, supporting our family, his employees, and the incredible community he’s built through his small business,” Rodriguez Jr. said, describing his father as the heart and soul behind La Playa Taco Shop.
“La Playa Taco Shop has become more than just a place to eat; it’s a gathering spot where he’s welcomed everyone with kindness and generosity.
La Playa Taco Shop at 3973 Mission Blvd. in Mission Beach. (Photo by Dave Schwab/Beach & Bay Press)
“This sudden and devastating situation has left our family in shock and struggling to keep things together.”
“We are deeply worried about his health and safety, and we’re doing everything we can to bring him home,” Rodriguez Jr. added. “The funds raised will help us fight for his safety and well-being, keep our family and business afloat during this difficult time.
“We’re asking for your support, whether it’s a donation or simply sharing our story. Any contribution or share truly means the world to us and brings us one step closer to reuniting our family and keeping my dad’s legacy alive in our community.”
He said that he is concerned about the treatment his father is receiving in the Otay Mesa Detention Center.
“They (feds) dismissed the felony charge for his being here illegally, but now it’s up to ICE whether they want to give him a hearing to fight his case to stay here, or just deport him. That’s where we’re at right now.
“We have not received a court date or an interview date or anything whatsoever. We’re trying to get in contact with some good lawyers and see if they can help his situation.”
Rodriguez Jr. said his dad is in the country without legal status, but added most of his family is on the U.S. side of the border. “He has nothing over there, essentially,” he said.
His son is also worried about his father’s treatment and health in detention. His family has been allowed to see him on a limited basis under very strict rules. One of which is that family members of detainees are only allowed to give them one “professional” hug or one kiss with no extended hand holding. His father told him he’s being housed in a shared room with eight people.
Of the quality of the food his dad is being served, his son said: “The food there is not very good. He told my mom the food there is so bad that the majority of all the detainees threw it away.”
He added, “When we first saw him, we could tell he’s lost a lot of weight.”
Rodriguez Jr. is now working a second job to help out his dad. He is also leaving soon to join the Navy.
“I understand there needs to be clearly set standards and parameters, but I think each case should be looked at in its own specific manner,” he said.
“I feel they’re making unjustified decisions on individuals who aren’t on the same level as criminals.”
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