Two individuals were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at San Francisco International Airport on March 22, 2026. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the arrests, stating that Angelina Lopez-Jimenez and Wendy Godinez-Lopez were under a final order of removal since 2019 and were in the United States illegally.
Details of the Arrest
According to DHS, the incident occurred when the individuals allegedly attempted to flee and resisted officers, prompting agents to act. The arrests were unrelated to the recent deployment of ICE agents to assist TSA operations during the partial government shutdown, as some speculation had suggested.
These individuals had a final order of removal since 2019, and the arrest was conducted lawfully, DHS stated.
Political Reactions
The arrest sparked immediate backlash from Democratic leaders across California. Rep. Doris Matsui described the woman as a 'Sacramento mother' and accused federal agents of cruelty. State Sen. Scott Wiener held a press conference at the airport to denounce ICE and warn against increased federal presence in local communities.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie struck a more measured tone, calling the video 'upsetting' but emphasizing that the incident appeared to be isolated. He reaffirmed the city’s sanctuary policies, stating that local law enforcement would continue to avoid involvement in federal immigration enforcement.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the ongoing divide between those prioritizing strict immigration enforcement and those raising alarms about civil liberties and humanitarian concerns. The video of the arrests continues to circulate on social media, fueling the debate over ICE’s role and the enforcement of immigration laws.