A 71-year-old grandmother who went to document Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity outside a San Diego courthouse on Tuesday ended up being detained herself — and now, her arrest is drawing outrage after video of the incident began circulating online.
Barbara Stone, a U.S. citizen and longtime immigrant rights volunteer, was taken into custody after allegedly pushing an ICE agent. Stone and her family strongly deny the accusation.
“I have a large bruise here,” Stone told NBC 7 on Wednesday, pointing to her arm. “I feel mentally and physically traumatized.”
According to her family, Stone was handcuffed and held by federal agents for approximately eight hours. No charges have been filed against her, but her phone was confiscated during the arrest.
Video shared with NBC 7 shows the moment tensions escalated outside the courthouse. While full details of the confrontation remain unclear, advocates say the arrest is part of a broader attempt to intimidate those who monitor ICE activity.
NBC 7 contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement for comment but was referred to the Federal Protective Service, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security. The agency has yet to respond.
‘She was there to observe, not interfere’
Stone’s husband, Gershon Shafir, said his wife went to the courthouse to observe and support asylum seekers — something she has done many times before.
“She’s a gentle, soft-spoken person,” Shafir said. “She went to protect refugees and observe the proceedings, which is her constitutional right. The idea that she pushed anyone is outrageous.”
Ruth Mendez of Detention Resistance, an organization that monitors ICE activity at courthouses, said the arrest has deeply unsettled local volunteers.
“This is legal, peaceful observation,” Mendez said. “But now volunteers are showing up with the fear that they could be next.”
In the video, one officer can be heard warning that more people could face detention. Mendez said the message is clear: “Be afraid. Don’t come back.”
‘A chilling effect’
Though Stone was eventually released without charges, advocates say the incident is already having a chilling effect on others.
“All Americans should know that this is how their taxpayer dollars are being used,” Mendez added. “Meanwhile, the people suffering are those seeking asylum, not those standing in solidarity with them.”
Despite the ordeal, Stone said the experience hasn’t shaken her commitment.
“Yes, I would do it again,” she said. “People need to know what’s happening.”
