ALAMEDA — Demonstrators showed up early Thursday to protest ahead of a reported federal immigration crackdown set to start in the Bay Area, with federal agents using their vehicles to push through a train of marchers on Coast Guard Island.

The marchers held signs that said things such as “No ICE or Troops in the Bay,” and “Move ICE to get out of the bay.”

Related Articles

A demonstrator in religious garb was shot directly in the face with some sort of chemical agent. Agents also used explosive devices and pepper spray to disperse demonstrators.

The protests came as Department of Homeland Security vehicles descended upon the island where The Coast Guard is headquartered. It was reported Wednesday that the island would be the staging area for some 100 federal agents who were to take part in immigration enforcement starting this week in the region.

The Coast Guard, one of the six armed branches of the federal government, issued a statement that said, “Through a whole of government approach, we are leveraging our unique authorities and capabilities to deter and interdict illegal aliens, narco terrorists, and individuals intent on terrorism or other hostile activity before they reach our border.”

Federal and state elected Democrats expressed disgust and opposition to the action.

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Kevin Mullin, who represents South San Francisco and most of San Mateo County, released this statement: “Reports of a planned mass immigration raid in the Bay Area are an appalling abuse of law enforcement power.

“Broad sweeps that target families and terrorize law-abiding residents betray our nation’s values and waste resources that should focus on real threats to public safety,” they said. “It is important to note that California law protects communities and prevents federal agents from taking certain actions here that we have witnessed in other states. … We will not be intimidated by politically motivated fear tactics.”

This is a developing report. Check back for updates.