Just days ago, US President Donald Trump granted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents “total authorisation” to protect themselves against any form of assault. That very week, reports of a 71-year-old US citizens being detained by the officials in California popped up.

Barbara Stone, a grandmother, was at the San Diego courthouse to document ICE arrest. In an unpredictable turn of events, she ended up meeting with the same fate, as the 71-year-old woman was handcuffed and temporarily taken into custody. NBC News quoted her family revealing that federal agents held her for eight hours and her phone and purse were also confiscated. Stone was accused of pushing an ICE agent at the scene.

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DHS official accused woman of assaulting ICE agent

Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told KGTV the elderly woman “assaulted and ICE officer as they were conducting immigration enforcement.” Claiming that officers are now facing a 700% increase in assaults against them, she added, “Anyone who assaults or actively obstructs law enforcement in the performance of their sworn duties will face consequences which could include arrest.”

71-year-old US citizens describes ICE detention

Although no charges have been filed against Stone, according to Newsweek, Stone’s “out-of-body experience” was nothing short of troubling. The 71-year-old has firmly denied the claims against her, revealing further that even after she was released from detention, officials only returned her phone, as per KPBS.

“I feel mentally and physically traumatised,” Barbara Stone told NBC. Meanwhile, her husband, Gershon Shafir, told the outlet that Stone is a “soft-spoken person who was here to protect innocent refugees.” He further asserted that his wife wasn’t the kind of person to “hit an agent or interfere with their work.”

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After her phone was confiscated, Barbara Stone told KPBS that she asked the ICE agent why her device was being held back. “… he compared it to a drug bust where they keep a drug dealer’s phone because I had used it in the crime. They referred to me as the suspect,” she divulged.

Last week, Trump wrote on Truth Social, “…I am directing Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, and Border Czar, Tom Homan, to instruct all ICE, Homeland Security, or any other Law Enforcement Officer who is on the receiving end of thrown rocks, bricks, or any other form of assault, to stop their car, and arrest these SLIMEBALLS, using whatever means is necessary to do so. I am giving Total Authorization for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the Public.”