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August 21, 2025 – USA –
On August 20, 2025, federal immigration agents clashed violently with demonstrators outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in downtown San Francisco. The confrontation erupted after protesters gathered at 100 Montgomery Street to oppose the detention of an asylum-seeker inside the nearby immigration court. Witnesses reported that ICE officers escalated the situation by deploying pepper spray, batons, and tasers against the crowd, which included both activists and members of the press.
Local outlet Mission Local reported that at least one protester was detained during the clash. Disturbingly, a journalist from the Gazetteer described being directly pepper-sprayed in the face, despite identifying themselves as press, and collapsed to the ground as officers continued pushing protesters back. This targeting of media workers has sparked renewed concerns about press freedom violations during public demonstrations.
In addition to the chemical weapons, video footage captured by attendees showed an ICE vehicle attempting to push through a group of demonstrators blocking its path. At one point, a protester was seen clinging to the hood as the vehicle accelerated forward, dragging them several feet before officers intervened. Observers described the incident as reckless and potentially lethal, escalating what had been a tense but largely peaceful demonstration.
The federal action comes against a backdrop of increasing ICE presence and aggressive enforcement tactics in San Francisco, a city long known for its sanctuary policies. Earlier in the month, ICE agents detained two U.S. citizens during separate protests—an unusual move that critics argue reflects an effort to intimidate activists and criminalize dissent.
Civil liberties groups have already condemned the use of force, noting that the First Amendment protects both peaceful assembly and press coverage of government actions. Lawyers and immigrant rights advocates stressed that ICE’s behavior not only endangered protesters but also undermined trust in due process by silencing criticism of immigration policy.
The clash underscores a broader national debate about immigration enforcement, the militarization of federal agencies, and the rights of journalists and protesters in high-stakes political confrontations. Calls for accountability are now mounting, with advocates urging investigations into the agents’ conduct and demanding safeguards to prevent further violence against demonstrators and media workers.
Reference –
ICE pepper sprays protesters and press at S.F. immigration court
