ICE Raids in Santa Ana Ignite Protests and Clashes
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Santa Ana, California, on Monday night following a series of immigration raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The demonstrations escalated into clashes with federal agents and local police, resulting in multiple injuries and arrests.
The protests were sparked earlier in the day when ICE conducted raids across Santa Ana, targeting day laborers waiting for work, according to Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento. By evening, over 200 demonstrators had gathered outside a federal building in downtown Santa Ana—home to ICE and other federal offices—waving flags and holding signs to denounce the enforcement actions.
“We were just standing there, and then all of a sudden, we saw three [tear gas canisters] get thrown,” said Dylan Carranca, 23, of Fullerton. “I saw one land and I took off running.”
The Santa Ana Police Department confirmed that federal agents deployed tear gas, pepper balls, and rubber bullets against the crowd. A volunteer nurse reported treating multiple people for injuries sustained during the confrontation.
Authorities stated that U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli had requested assistance, claiming that federal agents were being “overrun” at the site. However, Santa Ana City Councilmember Jessie Lopez, who was present at the protest, contested that account. “Overrun? That’s a lie,” she told local media outlet Voice of OC.
Local reports indicate that several arrests were made, with alleged offenses including setting off fireworks and throwing objects at officers.
In a controversial move, federal authorities have intensified immigration enforcement across Southern California. Officials announced that approximately 700 U.S. Marines were expected to arrive in Los Angeles to support efforts to suppress what they describe as widening street demonstrations.
These actions have fueled public anger and drawn concern from community leaders over the escalating tensions surrounding immigration policies.
