A peaceful protest in support of Renee Good, a Minnesota woman fatally shot by an immigration agent, turned violent outside the Santa Ana federal building last Friday night, leaving one demonstrator with a serious eye injury that may result in permanent vision loss.
At a Glance
- A protester identified only as “K” was dragged into the federal building by agents
- He suffered a severe eye injury that requires surgery and may leave him blind in that eye
- The incident occurred after 8 p.m. when most peaceful protesters had left
- DHS confirmed two arrests but minimized the protester’s injuries
- Local officials say federal agencies are refusing to share information
The demonstration was held to support Renee Good, who was shot and killed by an immigration agent in Minnesota. After most demonstrators had dispersed, clashes erupted between remaining protesters and federal authorities.
Video Captures Violent Arrest
Freelance photographer footage shows the chaotic scene that unfolded after the main protest had ended. The video captures:
- The sound of less-lethal rounds being fired as agents approached protesters on the building’s steps
- A man with a megaphone having a brief struggle with authorities
- Another man, later identified as “K,” kneeling face-down on the ground
- Federal agents grabbing K by the collar and dragging him into the building
- K’s face appearing bloody as he’s pulled inside
“I heard a bang, and suddenly I was on my knees,” K said in a statement read by his friend Rue el Amar. “It hadn’t dawned on me what had happened; everything was a blur.”
Conflicting Accounts of Injuries
While K’s friends describe life-altering injuries, the Department of Homeland Security downplayed the incident in their official statement.
According to K’s friend Rue el Amar:
- K suffered a serious eye injury
- He requires surgery
- He may not regain vision in the affected eye
- He was hospitalized and unable to speak publicly
According to DHS:
- “One of the rioters, who was arrested for disorderly conduct, was taken to the hospital for a cut and was released that night”
The agency also reported that two of their officers were injured during the confrontation.
Arrests and Charges
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed two arrests during the incident. The individuals were charged with:
- Assault on a federal officer
- Disorderly conduct
The arrests occurred after most peaceful protesters had left the area, suggesting the violence erupted during a smaller, more confrontational phase of the demonstration.
Information Blackout Frustrates Local Officials
Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento expressed frustration over the lack of communication between federal agencies and local authorities regarding the incident.
“Federal agencies right now have little to no discussion with our local agencies. That is very rare, something unlike what we’ve seen. We’ve always worked in tandem with one another so information is readily available,” Sarmiento said.
Sarmiento indicated that local officials will attempt to gather more information about what happened, but acknowledged their efforts will likely be limited due to the federal agencies’ refusal to cooperate.
The Santa Ana Police Department confirmed it was not involved in the incident, further highlighting the federal authorities’ handling of the situation without local coordination.
Context of the Original Protest
The demonstration was organized in support of Renee Good, a Minnesota woman who was fatally shot by an immigration agent. The protest drew supporters to the Santa Ana federal building, though the exact timing and circumstances of Good’s death were not detailed in the report.
The incident raises questions about the appropriate use of force by federal agents during protests and the accountability measures in place when demonstrators are injured during arrests.
Key Takeaways
- A protester may lose vision in one eye after being dragged into a federal building by agents
- Federal authorities are minimizing the severity of injuries sustained during the arrest
- Local officials are being shut out of the investigation
- The incident occurred after most peaceful protesters had left the scene
- Two protesters were arrested and two federal officers reported injuries
The case highlights growing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and community activists, as well as the challenges local officials face when trying to monitor federal law enforcement actions within their jurisdictions.
