Outrage in San Francisco Over ICE Detainment of Mother at Airport

Mon Mar 23 2026 23:22:11 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A distressing video depicting federal officers detaining a mother at San Francisco International Airport has sparked outrage among local officials amid ongoing discussions about the deployment of ICE officers at airports.

A viral video showing federal officers holding down a crying mother at San Francisco International Airport has provoked backlash from local politicians. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the mother, Angelina Lopez-Jimenez, along with her child, faced arrest due to a prior removal order. Officials, including State Senator Scott Wiener, criticized the actions of ICE and called for an end to their presence in communities, highlighting fears exacerbated by President Trump's recent statements regarding the increase of immigration enforcement at airports. City officials stressed that this incident appears isolated and not part of a broader enforcement effort.

Video footage of federal officers detaining a crying woman at San Francisco International Airport drew outrage Monday from local officials, although it was unrelated to President Donald Trump's deployment of immigration officers to short-staffed airports during a partial government shutdown.

In the distressing video shared on social media, a mother could be seen crying and pleading as officers attempted to handcuff her while her child watched. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Angelina Lopez-Jimenez was arrested at the airport on Sunday due to an outstanding final order of removal to Guatemala from 2019.

State Senator Scott Wiener, along with several Democratic candidates for California governor, condemned the actions of federal authorities during a news conference held outside the airport. “We don’t want ICE here, and when ICE descends on our communities, it only creates fear,” Wiener stated.

The incident occurred as many Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers have resigned or called out sick during the government shutdown, leading to longer wait times at airports. In response to the chaos, President Trump announced plans to deploy ICE officers to assist at airports unless Congress proposes a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security. However, airport officials clarified that San Francisco International Airport is using private contractors for security, which overlaps very little with these developments.

“We believe this is an isolated incident and have no reason to suspect broader enforcement action at SFO,” said airport spokesman Doug Yakel. He emphasized a commitment to maintaining a safe environment for travelers. While being escorted for processing, Lopez-Jimenez attempted to resist and flee, according to DHS sources. ICE plans to deport the family back to Guatemala, affirming that this arrest occurred before any ICE officers were deployed to manage airport operations.

Witnesses recorded the incident, revealing bystanders urging officers to show identification; the officers were not in uniforms. As the confrontation unfolded, one officer instructed the crowd to back away. Later footage showed the woman being taken away in a wheelchair, with her child trailing behind.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie described the scene as “upsetting,” reiterating that officials view the incident as isolated rather than an indicator of a wider immigration crackdown in the area.