A protestor against ICE and ongoing mass deportations was taken into custody outside a federal facility in Orange County, according to the Sheriff’s statement.
While guaranteeing the local right to protest and First Amendment free expression, Orange County Sheriff John Mina reminded all protesters that any attempt to stop, block, or hamper law enforcement officials will not be permitted.
According to local law enforcement, the protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement took place peacefully at a federal facility on Delegates Drive in Orlando. However, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that they apprehended one suspect after they struck a federal agent’s car.
Sheriff John Mina stated that during the ICE protest, a woman approached a federal agent in a car and struck the law enforcement vehicle. According to the Sheriff, she was detained on accusations of assaulting a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest.
“The right of all people to peacefully assemble or protest is fundamental, and a cornerstone of every American’s First Amendment right to free speech,” Orange County Sheriff John Mina stated. “What is not protected, however, is the destruction of property or violence against any member of our community. Any attempt to assault, stop, block, or otherwise hinder any law enforcement officers from doing their jobs will not be tolerated. I want to assure everyone in our community that our deputies will always respond to ensure the safety of those who are exercising their rights peacefully.”
There are ongoing ICE operations in Central Florida; hence, there are also constant protests. Local Democrats have also urged the Orlando and Orange County administrations to stop working with ICE and oppose any efforts to expand operations and deportations in Central Florida.
OCSO also posted: “We want to thank everyone who was out there peacefully exercising their right to assembly.”