ICE Detains 71-Year-Old US Citizen Legal Observer in San Diego Court

Barbara Stone, a 71-year-old U.S. citizen and immigrant rights volunteer, was detained by ICE agents for eight hours at a San Diego courthouse while observing immigration proceedings. ICE accused Stone of pushing an agent, an allegation she denies, and no charges have been filed against her. Video footage of the arrest shows Stone visibly distressed, and her family and witnesses describe her as gentle, nonviolent, and dedicated to protecting vulnerable immigrants. Stone's phone and purse were confiscated during the detention, and she reported feeling mentally and physically traumatized by the experience. Activists and volunteers expressed concern that the detention was intended to intimidate and retaliate against those monitoring ICE's actions, warning that such incidents may deter others from volunteering. ICE and related agencies have not provided formal explanations for the detention, raising questions about procedural accountability and government overreach amid ongoing immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump's administration.