Police Say They Got No Warning as Pepper Spray Used in Santa Barbara ICE Encounter

Overview

• Officers were dispatched around 7:15–7:17 a.m. to Salinas and Carpinteria streets after reports of a large fight involving federal agents and community members.
• Police said at least one person was injured and an observer was pepper-sprayed before officers arrived and was treated by Santa Barbara Fire Department personnel.
• Witnesses told local media that masked federal personnel attempted to detain a man driving a white Toyota 4-Runner shortly before the confrontation.
• Santa Barbara police collected witness statements, including at least one report alleging assault by agents, and made no arrests at the scene.
• ICE personnel left shortly after local police arrived, and a DHS-affiliated email to reporters asked for photos or video rather than confirming which agency was operating.