Federal Agents Arrive in Bay Area Amid Protests and Mayor’s Reassurances

SAN FRANCISCO — Federal agents have arrived in the Bay Area, but San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced Thursday that President Donald Trump has called off further deployment of federal troops to the city.

This development comes a week after Trump threatened to send the National Guard to address what he described as rising crime rates in San Francisco. Lurie emphasized that federal intervention would not enhance safety, asserting such tactics terrorize communities instead.

During a press conference, Lurie confirmed, “The President called me and clearly stated he was calling off any plans for a federal deployment in San Francisco.” He added that Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem reaffirmed this decision in a conversation with him later that morning.

Activists gathered in protest as the federal agents arrived, with demonstrations reported at Coast Guard Island in Alameda. Some protests turned confrontational, leading to minor injuries among demonstrators. One protester expressed his determination by stating, “I’m so glad to be here with the community who say that we stand with our immigrant neighbors.”

Federal agents were met by protesters at about 7:14 a.m. as they attempted to access Coast Guard Island. The situation escalated, and Coast Guard security officials deployed flash bangs to disperse the crowd.

Bill Hing, a law professor, spoke about the anxiety rippling through immigrant communities, noting that many individuals feel compelled to educate each other about their rights amid heightened enforcement presence.

In response to the federal plans, Lurie called for peaceful protests, encouraging the public to express their concerns without resorting to violence, which could provoke a stronger federal response.

The ongoing conflict over federal policy and local governance underscores a broader debate on immigration enforcement in the U.S., with Lurie affirming his commitment to protect the safety of all San Franciscans.