ORLANDO, Fla. – During an anti-ICE demonstration outside ICE’s Orlando office, law enforcement officials arrested a protester, raising tensions Friday afternoon.
Two other protesters shared videos with News 6 that showed the moments leading up to and during the detainment.
[VIDEO: Violent protestor arrested at anti-ICE demonstration in Orlando, deputies say]
In one video, the protester, whose face is concealed by a motorcycle helmet, can be heard saying, “You want to f***ing hit me?” Moments later, law enforcement agents move in closer and bring the person to the ground.
Several law enforcement agents surrounded the protester were wearing vests that read “SHERIFF” on the back.
[WATCH: Video of ICE protester being arrested]
News 6 reached out to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office about the incident. A spokesperson responded in an email that they would look into the matter.
At least two other protesters told News 6 the individual who was detained had used their hand to hit a law enforcement vehicle, sparking the detainment.
More than a dozen Florida Highway Patrol vehicles then flooded the area.
The suspect was later identified as 23-year-old Alexis Clark.
In an affidavit, deputies said that she had punched the passenger-side mirror and window of the vehicle with reinforced gloves “in an apparent attempt to break it.”
She now faces charges of assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without violence.
The protest remained peaceful Friday, but the incident appeared to animate the rest of the protesters, who began mocking law enforcement agents on ICE property.
Some protestors used chalk to write messages such as “Melt the ICE” and “We are all human” on sidewalks and held signs denouncing ICE operations. Demonstrators chanted slogans and voiced concerns about what they described as increased ICE activity in the region.
Clark was released on recognizance during her first appearance in court on Saturday. The judge expressed skepticism that the reporting officer or officers were in genuine fear for their life, but added the circumstances did “scrape by” for her to find probable cause on both counts. The judge appointed a public defender and entered a not-guilty plea on Clark’s behalf.
[WATCH: Immigrant advocates, lawmakers urge public to speak out against ICE agents]
Nancy Rudner of Casselberry said she attended the protest because she believes ICE enforcement is affecting people who are long-standing members of the community, not just violent criminals.
“They are going after the people who live here, who have been part of our community,” Rudner said.
Izzy Coventry with Orlando Socialist Alternative said the demonstration was also intended to show solidarity with people in Minnesota participating in a day of protest that included work, school and shopping stoppages.
“We want to show them Orlando stands with Minneapolis, as well as showing ICE that they are not welcome in Orlando,” Coventry said.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina issued this statement Friday:
“At the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, our top priority is the safety and security of our residents and visitors, and the safety of our deputies.
“Earlier today, during what was almost an exclusively peaceful protest at the ICE facility, a woman approached a federal agent who was in a car and struck the law enforcement vehicle. That person, a woman in her 20s or 30s, was arrested on charges of Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest.
“The right of all people to peacefully assemble or protest is fundamental, and a cornerstone of every American’s First Amendment right to free speech. What is not protected, however, is the destruction of property or violence against any member of our community. Any attempt to assault, stop, block, or otherwise hinder any law enforcement officers from doing their jobs will not be tolerated. I want to assure everyone in our community that our deputies will always respond to ensure the safety of those who are exercising their rights peacefully.”
[RELATED: Orange County: 380 inmates with ICE detainers in county jail right now]