U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Thursday defended an operation near an Oakland elementary school, which led to a crash, saying its agents were targeting a criminal suspect fleeing arrest.

Oaklanders gathered in a show of solidarity outside Hoover Elementary School on Wednesday in response to the ICE operation. The Oakland Unified School District said that ICE agents were initially seen at the intersection of 31st and Market Street, about two blocks south of the school.

"I'm even happier that we have this kind of turnout when we know ICE is on scene to kidnap and detain people," said Councilmember Carroll Fife, Oakland District 3, who joined the gathering. "These are everyday working people just trying to do the best for the families. This is not illegal activity that's happen

See Full Page