ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) — Protesters gathered Thursday outside a U.S. Coast Guard base in the San Francisco Bay Area, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents began arriving to support federal efforts in tracking down immigrants in the country illegally.
Approximately 150 people, many carrying signs saying “No ICE or troops in the Bay,” referring to U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement, gathered shortly after dawn outside the base in Alameda. A police response included at least one flash-bang grenade used to clear a handful of demonstrators from the entrance as CBP vehicles continued to drive through.
Reports suggest that more than 100 CBP and federal agents were deployed this week for the operation. Local leaders, including San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and California Governor Gavin Newsom, immediately condemned this surge, claiming it is intended to provoke violent protests.
CBP has not provided specific comments regarding the operation. However, a statement from the Coast Guard indicated that they aim to address illegal immigration and associated threats utilizing what they termed a 'whole of government approach.' This includes leveraging unique authority and capabilities to deter and interdict criminals.
President Trump has expressed intentions to deploy National Guard troops in various cities, including San Francisco, although no clear timeline has been established. His administration cites crime reduction as the primary motive behind these deployments.
