An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent drew his firearm on a woman in Santa Ana on Sunday, prompting a police response.
According to the Fullerton Police Department, the incident occurred near Santa Ana Boulevard and Shelton Street when a Fullerton officer, returning from the Orange County Jail, witnessed a man pointing a gun at a driver in the vehicle behind him. The man, later identified as an ICE agent, claimed the woman had been following and recording him during an operation.
The Fullerton officer, unaware of the agent’s identity at first, intervened and was informed by the ICE agent that the woman was following him. The officer advised the agent that no crime had occurred and local law enforcement was on the way. Social media videos of the encounter led to rumors that Fullerton police were assisting ICE, which the department denied, stating they do not participate in immigration enforcement due to Senate Bill 54.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) commented on the incident, claiming the woman attempted to cause a collision and was aggressive. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the agent followed protocol by identifying himself and drawing his weapon for self-defense. The woman left the scene before local police arrived and remains unidentified.
The incident highlights tensions between federal and local law enforcement, especially in areas with sanctuary policies. DHS reported a significant increase in assaults against its agents, including vehicle attacks and threats. The Fullerton Police Department reiterated its stance against participating in immigration enforcement, emphasizing their role in ensuring public safety without engaging in immigration matters.
Recent Comments