Pastor Jorge Bautista has reported having been assaulted by a CBP agent during a protest in the San Francisco Bay Area. According to his testimony, the projectile hit him directly in the face while he was participating in a peaceful demonstration against the US government's immigration policies.

The religious man was injured and was taken to a nearby hospital, which has generated a wave of indignation among human rights organizations and religious communities that demand an immediate investigation into the use of force in the operation.

The incident in San Francisco Bay

The events occurred on October 23 near the Alameda Coast Guard, in the San Francisco Bay area, during a vigil organized to denounce immigration operations and the arrests of people with no criminal record. Father Jorge Bautista, identified as a community leader and pastor in Oakland, attended the event dressed in his clerical attire to accompany the protesters.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Bautista was hit by a pepper ball fired by a CBP agent while attempting to mediate between protesters and officers. The projectile hit him "just above the chin," causing visible injuries and the irritating effects of the gas.

Witnesses at the scene confirmed that the demonstration was peaceful and that Bautista did not pose a threat. He was helped by other participants and taken to an Oakland hospital, where he received medical treatment.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the attack was premeditated, representing a direct attack on him despite the fact that he was participating in a peaceful march.

Official Position and Possible Repercussions

So far, the US Border Patrol has not issued an official statement regarding the incident with Bautista. However,A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that CBP agents carried out various actions to disperse protesters during the demonstration, without specifying the incident with Bautista.

For their part, religious leaders and migrant advocacy groups have demanded a public apology and a transparent investigation. They believe that these types of attacks violate the right to protest and represent a growing risk for activists and community leaders who support social causes.

The life and work of Jorge Bautista

Father Jorge Bautista has become a recognized figure in the Latino community in California as the leader of the United Church of Christ (UCC). He has been known for his pastoral work on behalf of immigrants, especially in issues of refuge, legal advice, and spiritual guidance.

In recent years, he has collaborated with local organizations that offer support to people detained by ICE and has participated in campaigns for immigration regularization. His actions have made him an influential voice in the Bay Area, where he combines his religious work with activism focused on social justice.