Feds charge ICE protester with destroying property, assault in S.F.

Federal agents arrested Angélica, a U. S. citizen, on Wednesday outside the San Francisco immigration court, charging her with destruction of property and assaulting a federal officer. Local attorneys described this as a rare occurrence, marking a potential escalation in federal enforcement actions against protesters in the area. Angélica allegedly slashed the tire of an ICE van and threatened an agent during a protest aimed at stopping the transport of an arrested asylum-seeker.

Video footage captured the chaotic scene as ICE agents tackled protesters, leading to Angélica's arrest. After being held without access to a phone or attorney, her family struggled to locate her, ultimately discovering she was in Santa Rita jail. Angélica's case prompted a strong response from labor and immigrant rights groups, with SEIU 1021 expressing outrage at her arrest while exercising First Amendment rights. U. S.

District Court Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim ordered her release until a pending court date in September. Angélica has been instructed to stay away from immigration courts and federal buildings, raising concerns about the implications for her ability to attend her hearings.