ICE claims agents were attacked in chaotic scene outside SF courthouse

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has responded to video that captured a chaotic scene in San Francisco Tuesday, claiming agents were attacked. The scene was captured on video (watch in the player above) showing what looks like dozens of protesters attempting to prevent a black ICE van from leaving the vicinity.

As the car drives away from the location, with several people clinging onto all sides of the car, the video shows the van weaving to and fro to apparently shake off the individuals as it races up the block. The vehicle stops, allowing a mass of people to catch up toward it before again starting up and driving through the crowd trying to block its path.

According to ICE, the incident began when agents were attacked by the protesters.

“On July 8 protestors violently attacked and obstructed federal ICE officers who were simply doing their job by enforcing our nation’s laws,” ICE spokesperson Emily Covington told KRON4.com. “Of course, these protestors have zero respect for the rule of law, as they so casually violate it.”

ICE also claimed there has been a “700 percent increase in assaults against ICE officers,” and that last week, “a coordinated attack at an ICE facility” led to an officer being shot. Ten people were arrested in a “planned ambush” last week outside a Texas immigration center that left ICE officer wounded.

However, KRON4 has not independently confirmed a 700 percent increase against ICE officers.

“There is no tolerance for violence, and those responsible will be held accountable,” Covington said.

Tuesday’s incident took place outside the San Francisco Federal Immigration Court located at 100 Montgomery Street.