Protestor Injured in Clash with Federal Agents in Santa Ana
Federal authorities indicate that the demonstrators were involved in what they labeled a “violent mob” opposed to immigration policies. In an incident reported by the Associated Press, Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Santa Ana, California, reportedly fired a projectile at close range, resulting in a young man losing sight in his left eye. The protest occurred outside a federal immigration facility amid outrage over the police shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis.
Eyewitnesses, as well as the family of 21-year-old Kayden Ramler, provided accounts of the situation. On that Friday, large crowds of protesters made their way through the streets, with some later congregating outside the immigration building, where they chanted “Justice for Renee Good,” used harsh language aimed at ICE, and burned what appeared to be a flag.
Witnesses described a tense scene as protesters approached a public square, where riot-equipped officers were already stationed. At one point, law enforcement reportedly pushed the protesters down a staircase, which seemed to trigger further resistance as the crowd continued to chant. Then, orange cones were seen rolling into the area just before officers began to fire at the crowd, though it remains unclear who initiated this action.
In a video capturing the moment, Ramler can be seen using a megaphone among others near police officers. The footage also shows an arrest of another demonstrator who allegedly resisted. This individual was later named in a federal complaint as Caitlin Sky Seitz.
One source noted that the altercation escalated when Ramler and other demonstrators shouted back at officers. An officer fired a crowd control weapon, hitting Ramler from a short distance, causing him to fall and clutch his face. The footage shows officers dragging him while others voiced their concerns for his safety. Eventually, he was taken into custody and seen handcuffed at a federal facility.
Tricia McLaughlin, an Assistant Secretary in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), branded the group as a “violent mob,” adding that two police officers were injured during the confrontation. Two protesters faced charges for assaulting a federal officer and disorderly conduct.
DHS officials, however, did not clarify what types of projectiles were used during the incident. A protester mentioned they appeared to be pepper balls. Ramler’s aunt, Jeri Reese, reported that her nephew, a college student, is now blind in his left eye, having spent two days in the hospital and undergoing extensive surgery.
Reese recounted, “In that eye, he’s completely blind. He has holes in his eyeballs.” Although Ramler was discharged, doctors were still assessing whether further treatment was necessary for his injuries, which included a skull fracture.
It was reported that Ramler has been charged with disorderly conduct. In a statement conveyed through another protester, he expressed his devastation: “I will never see out of my left eye again. I will never even see light. I’m really happy to be alive to tell my story.”
The Associated Press noted that specifics regarding his injuries had not yet been verified independently.
