OXNARD, Calif. (KABC) — Federal agents carrying out an immigration enforcement operation in Oxnard Wednesday morning clashed with protesters.
The operation seemed to be focused on an apartment building on N. A Street. According to Oxnard Mayor Luis McArthur, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) executed a federal warrant around 6 a.m.
Some eyewitnesses told ABC7 they saw a shaken up teenage boy who was telling people that his parents and some other relatives were detained. DHS officials have not confirmed those reports.
AIR7 was over the scene that was cordoned off with crime scene tape. At least one armored vehicle was seen.
The law enforcement activity drew a few dozen protesters, some with signs, who stood just outside that barrier. Once the agents started to leave the area, some protesters broke through the crime tape and a confrontation ensued.
As some protesters advanced toward them, at least two agents were seen deploying pepper spray at the crowd.
In a statement on Instagram, McArthur said the city’s police department was not involved in the operation.
“The agents used gas as they prepared to depart, reportedly because demonstrators were attempting to block them and impeded their efforts,” McArthur said, adding that two people were reportedly taken into custody.
One of the unmarked vehicles involved in the operation appeared to have a shattered rear windshield.
The agents managed to drive off without further incident, but protesters told ABC7 they’ve had enough of the immigration raids in their town.
“It’s awful. Oxnard… we have immigrants all around. It doesn’t matter if you have documentation or you don’t,” said Estefany Nunez. “It’s always been a city people travel to work the fields… These are people who pay taxes. These are people that are parents and they’re targeting the places they go to work, They’re targeting the places where they take their kids to school… it’s ridiculous.”
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