Santa Ana resident says federal agents injured her during arrest

A 51-year-old Santa Ana resident and U.S. citizen said federal agents chased, maced, tackled and arrested her early Thursday outside the federal building during her ICE-watching routine, according to Voice of OC.

The report comes as local immigration advocates describe a 45-day ICE surge in Southern California and a broader federal immigration crackdown in Orange County that began in June 2025.

Voice of OC reported that Jackie Cordova said she was outside the federal building in Santa Ana early Thursday when federal agents surrounded her during her regular ICE-watching activity.

Cordova said agents blocked an entrance off Civic Center Drive with eight to 12 cars, pursued her after she ran, sprayed her with mace, tackled her against a wall, arrested her and fingerprinted her, according to Voice of OC. She said one of her teeth was broken and that she was left bloodied.

Voice of OC reported that Cordova said she was arrested at about 4:45 a.m. off Civic Center Drive and feared she would not be released. Alicia Rojas, an activist and artist from Santa Ana, said Cordova was not released until 9:45 a.m., according to the report.

Department of Homeland Security officials did not respond to questions, and city officials said they had no information about what happened early Thursday morning, Voice of OC reported.

Carlos Perea, executive director of the Harbor Institute, told Voice of OC that roving patrols have paused for now but enforcement pressure remains. About 20 people protested Cordova’s arrest and the wider immigration crackdown outside the federal building, according to the report.

Voice of OC also noted that The Sacramento Bee reported the 45-day ICE surge had not been publicly announced and that Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized it.