A viral video showing a tense arrest at San Francisco International Airport has drawn criticism from California Democrats, as federal officials maintain the action followed a lawful court order.
The footage shows a woman crying and falling to the ground as plainclothes officers detain her, while a child nearby can be heard crying.
Rep. Doris Matsui described the woman as a “Sacramento mother” and said she was seeking answers about the arrest.
“I am deeply angered by the video… This is our neighbor and a member of our community,” Matsui said.
I am deeply angered by the video released of a Sacramento mother being forcibly detained by ICE in front her young daughter at San Francisco International Airport this weekend. This is our neighbor and a member of our community.
This video showcases the cruelty we have come to…
— Rep. Doris Matsui (@DorisMatsui) March 23, 2026
The Department of Homeland Security said the two individuals arrested were in the United States illegally and had been subject to a final removal order issued by an immigration judge in 2019.
“ICE officers arrested Angelina Lopez-Jimenez and Wendy Godinez-Jimenez… These illegal aliens had a final removal order from an immigration judge since 2019,” DHS said.
This arrest of ILLEGAL ALIENS occurred yesterday on March 22, 2026 — BEFORE ICE officers were deployed to airports to bolster TSA efforts.
ICE officers arrested Angelina Lopez-Jimenez and Wendy Godinez-Lopez at the San Francisco International Airport. These illegal aliens had a… https://t.co/Km8uoX9DJT
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) March 23, 2026
Officials said the situation escalated during the encounter.
“Lopez-Jimenez attempted to flee and resisted law enforcement officers,” DHS said, adding that agents were carrying out standard enforcement procedures.
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DHS says the SFO arrest involved individuals with a final removal order dating back to 2019.
Officials say one individual resisted during the encounter, prompting enforcement action.
California Democrats are demanding answers following the viral video.
The arrest was not tied to broader ICE-TSA coordination during the shutdown.
The agency said the individuals are being processed for repatriation to Guatemala.
DHS also clarified the arrest was not connected to broader federal efforts involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Transportation Security Administration operations during the partial government shutdown.