A woman described as an “elderly nanny” was handcuffed and taken into custody Friday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in central San Francisco’s Diamond Heights district, an immigrant rights organization said.
The woman was on her way to work when she was followed by several unmarked vehicles in the neighborhood, which is between Noe Valley and Glen Park, the San Francisco Rapid Response Network said on social media.
“After she parked and stepped out of her car, the vehicles blocked the driveway and agents exited, stating they were looking for a person in the area,” the network said. “When asked, agents did not present a warrant or show identification.”
Mayor Daniel Lurie said he was “aware” of the ICE action and that police weren’t involved.
“In line with our city’s longstanding policies, the San Francisco Police Department was not involved and does not assist with federal civil immigration enforcement,” Lurie said in a statement. “That will not change as long as I’m mayor.”
Lurie said the wall between police and ICE was intended to “build trust for law enforcement.”
“Everyone should feel safe reporting a crime, seeking help, or accessing service services – regardless of immigration status,” the mayor said.
The Rapid Response Network is a collaboration between the San Francisco Immigrant & Legal Education Network and the San Francisco Immigrant Legal Defense Collaborative.
The organization maintains a 24-hour hotline to track Immigrations and Customs Enforcement activity in San Francisco.