Cedar Rapids, lowa – Cedar Rapids police officers arrested Annya Mari, 45, and Scott Boylen, 58, on July 7, 2026, outside the federal ICE office at 3351 Square D Dr. SW after responding to reports of a group blocking vehicles.
According to police, Boylen ran from officers after contact and was arrested for interference with official acts following a brief chase. Officers then arrested Mari for allegedly interfering with that arrest.
Bystander video shows an officer directing Mari’s arrest. As two officers attempted to place her hands behind her back, she twisted around and asked why she was being detained.
One officer wrapped his arms around her waist and took her to the ground, with both of her feet leaving the ground before she landed on her back. Officers then turned her over and handcuffed her.
The criminal complaint stated Mari was “verbally interjecting herself into the investigation” and “flexing her upper body” before being “escorted to the ground.”
Mari was charged with one count of interference with official acts and one count of harassment of a public official, both simple misdemeanors. Boylen was charged with one count of interference with official acts.
The Cedar Rapids Police Department is reviewing the use of force, stating the video captures only a portion of the incident.
Officers are trained in control techniques. Mari was evaluated with no injuries reported initially and released after approximately three hours.
Mari stated she was confused and had no intention of resisting. She has protested at the facility for over 20 years without prior arrests per court records. Days later, she reported concussion symptoms and sought treatment at a clinic.
Her daughter, Nell Mari Barrios, who filmed the video, said Mari was louder but not physically disruptive.
