Watch: Border Confrontation Sparks Protest

San Diego Dream Team condemns what they called unprovoked violence

About a dozen community activists condemned the actions of U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents after a confrontation with protestors captured on video.

Video shot Sunday at the U.S.-Mexico border is the subject of allegations being made against the federal agents by San Diego Dream Team, a local immigrant-led community group. 

What started as a protest over the possibility of adding more border security ended with what protesters are calling unprovoked violence.

"As I looked around I saw people being dragged by their feet," Alondra Garcia explained the shoving match that broke out at the San Ysidro Port of Entry on Sunday afternoon. "I saw this gate being pushed into my face."

At one point, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers can be seen forcefully pushing a temporary metal fence into the crowd to move the protesters back.

The video released by the protesters does not show how the altercation started.

Garcia claims they had planned for a peaceful demonstration.

"I feared for my safety," she said.

On Monday, some of the people involved made claims that what happened in that video is not unusual behavior by officers at the border, but did not give specific examples.

"We're doing this because we just want our community to know that we know what happens," said Liz Arizona, San Diego Dream Team member.

"I can only imagine the violence that youth, women and children experience at the hands of these men when no one else is watching."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Sunday's protesters were "in an area blocking the exit to the pedestrian building", and that "These protesters did not request or obtain a permit required for access to the facility" according to a written release.

Alondra Garcia claims they were not blocking traffic, and were never asked to move until they were forced.

"So, obviously they should've given us a warning like if you guys don't step back we will use force to push you back. There was no warning," Garcia said.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not say if the officers warned the protesters before trying to move them back.

The statement did say anyone who feels they were treated unprofessionally can file a formal complaint with the agency.

Contact Us