Protests erupted in San Bernardino following a shocking incident where federal agents allegedly shot at a family’s car during an immigration operation. Eyewitnesses report that agents smashed the vehicle’s window and fired shots while three men were inside, igniting outrage within the community. A crowd of demonstrators gathered, wielding signs and chanting, “Where are your papers?” in a powerful denunciation of what they perceive as excessive force by federal authorities.

The incident occurred early Saturday morning when the driver, an undocumented immigrant, attempted to flee after being confronted by agents in police vests. A young man in the back seat recounted the harrowing experience, expressing fear for their lives as bullets flew. “I was thinking the bullets were going to run through the back window and hit any of us,” he stated, capturing the terror of the moment. He insisted that the agents never identified themselves or provided a clear explanation for their aggressive actions, leading to widespread distrust among the community.

In stark contrast, the Department of Homeland Security claimed the driver had endangered officers by attempting to run them over, prompting one agent to fire in self-defense. This narrative has been met with skepticism, as residents and local leaders, including San Bernardino Mayor Helen Trant, demand a thorough investigation into the agents’ conduct. Trant took to social media, questioning whether proper procedures were followed during the operation.

As tensions rise, San Bernardino police were called to manage the crowd surrounding the driver’s home, yet state law limits their involvement in federal immigration matters. Community members assert that the driver is not a criminal, emphasizing his long-standing efforts to gain citizenship and his contributions to the local economy. The situation remains volatile, with calls for accountability growing louder amidst fears of escalating violence in the name of immigration enforcement.