Photos: Protest heats up at Tucson ICE office Wednesday

Protesters clashed with private security guards at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Tucson on Wednesday afternoon, with windows broken and rocks thrown as a peaceful demonstration turned tense.

What organizers dubbed a "Melt ICE" protest began at the corner of East Valencia and South Country Club roads around 4:30 p.m.  American and Mexican flags and megaphones in tow, protesters began demonstrating peacefully as temperatures topped 102 degrees in Tucson. Just a half-hour later, rocks were hurled and fireworks set off as they marched against security at the office complex on the South Side.

From the corner in front of a McDonalds restaurant, about 300 protesters marched a block up the street to the parking lot of the ICE office and were met with the private security personnel at the site. The standoff, with security blocking the path onto the property, saw protesters threatened with tear gas and batons. Despite the resistance, protesters formed a human chain with their arms and inched closer. From behind, others threw rocks and balloons filled with paint. Some protesters held long metal shields made from water heater cladding.

Some of the protesters and security staffers wore black facemasks.

The exchange became tense as someone set off a smoke bomb, causing security to move back into the parking lot and spray mace. Metal bars were thrown, and windows were broken.

Private security guards gave way to about 30 officers from the Tucson Police Department and the protesters scrambled away. The crowd ebbed to about 150, and tensions settled some as the protesters formed a new line, yards away from TPD officers. Rather than hurling rocks, some organizers beat out rhythms on their hand drums, and others chanted into a microphone.

The group settled back to the corner of Valencia and Country Club and spanned across Country Club, where traffic was blocked by TPD officers.

Several members stood in the intersection and waved flags, including one for Palestine. Others continued to flank Valencia for more than an hour until police officers moved in and forced the crowd away from the intersection. During this move, TPD officers briefly scuffled with the crowd, and they arrested three people.

TPD Chief Chad Kasmar issued a public statement Wednesday afternoon, saying that his department is "aware of and monitoring recent federal immigration enforcement actions and the deployment of military personnel taking place in other states."

The chief noted that TPD is not involved in any federal immigration enforcement operations, and said "we have had peaceful demonstrations and additional community events are planned. We fully respect the constitutional rights of individuals to peacefully assemble and express their views. Our role is to help ensure the safety of all involved and to treat everyone with dignity and respect."

"The department will continue to provide public safety support for gatherings and will only intervene if necessary to address criminal behavior that threatens people and property. We encourage all members of the community to engage in peaceful protests, and we remain dedicated to supporting safe and respectful demonstrations throughout Tucson," Kasmar said.

On Thursday, TPD said they arrested three people at the protest: Natalia Navarra, 23, who was arrested for unlawful assembly and resisting arrest; Sulutasen Amador, 46, who was arrested for obstructing a public thoroughfare and disorderly conduct; and Hannah Hartranett, 23, who arrested for obstructing a public thoroughfare and unlawful assembly.

TPD said all three were booked into the Pima County Jail. Online records showed none of the three were still being held at the detention center on Thursday afternoon.