One of Pacific Beach's long-running taco joints is suddenly missing a familiar face. Victor Rodriguez Sr., the 54-year-old owner of La Playa Taco Shop, was taken into federal immigration custody last month, and relatives say his absence has left the decades-old taqueria short-staffed and scrambling to cover costs. Loyal customers are now writing letters to federal officials and organizing support to help the family pay legal expenses. While his wife Gabriela keeps the Mission Boulevard shop open, family members say the business is under serious strain as an immigration attorney prepares a challenge to his detention.
Arrest And Detention In National City
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested Rodriguez on Oct. 31 outside his National City home and, according to his family, he is being held at the Otay Mesa Detention Center, as reported by Fox 5 San Diego. Relatives told the station that Rodriguez has no criminal record and that he and his wife have run La Playa for decades, repeatedly applying for legal status while supporting three U.S.-born children. Fox 5 San Diego also reported that the Department of Homeland Security had not yet responded to its requests for comment.
Family, Fundraiser, And The Shop
The Rodríguez family has launched an online fundraiser to help cover legal expenses and keep the business afloat, according to the campaign page on GoFundMe. The taqueria, listed at 3973 Mission Blvd, remains open under Gabriela's management, per its Yelp listing. Local coverage has also noted that the couple's son is scheduled to leave for Navy boot camp next month, a timing detail supporters say adds urgency to efforts to secure a quick legal resolution.
Neighbors, Customers Voice Support
Regulars and neighbors have been sending letters to the Department of Homeland Security and leaving written notes for the family as the case moves forward. "He’s running a family-owned business, paying taxes, and has permits posted on the walls," longtime customer Jeff Huting told Fox 5 San Diego. Supporters say the response reflects just how central La Playa has become to daily life in Pacific Beach.
La Playa's Pacific Beach Roots
La Playa has been a neighborhood fixture for years and was previously named one of Mission Beach's top local spots, a testament to its long-standing community role. Online listings and reviews indicate steady customer traffic and strong local recognition, which regulars cite as a key reason the arrest drew such swift attention; see the shop's Yelp page for details and hours.
What Comes Next In Court
Because Rodriguez is in federal custody, his case is set to move through the immigration court system, where detainees can request bond and pursue relief before an immigration judge, according to the Executive Office for Immigration Review. The family states that it has retained an immigration attorney to challenge the detention, and advocates note that securing counsel early can be crucial in both bond and merits proceedings. Relatives seeking to contact him or learn facility rules can consult ICE's Otay Mesa Detention Center page for information on visiting, mail, and phone procedures.
For now, the Rodríguez family is juggling legal logistics with the daily work of keeping La Playa open, while neighbors and longtime customers raise funds and send letters in hopes of a quick reunion. Details on the fundraiser and ways community members are supporting the family are available on the campaign page and in local coverage.
