A largely peaceful Bicester protest was disrupted by an altercation between a driver and demonstrators at the town centre event.
The altercation broke out during one of the many protests over plans to house 1,256 single male asylum seekers at MOD Bicester.
Videos published online appeared to show tensions escalating after a man drove through Claremont car park near the Bicester town centre.
People in the crowd could be heard shouting at the driver as he exited the car, including "get back to the third world", as he responded "racist p*****".
A demonstrator appeared to restrain the male to de-escalate the situation.
Footage appears to show the driver throwing a punch before police officers release him from the restraint and escort him to their van.
Thames Valley Police said it was aware of the protest and had officers present to monitor the event and engage with those taking part.
It said: "During the protest, an altercation took place and officers responded quickly to bring the situation under control."
An investigation is underway to establish the circumstances and no arrests have been made at this stage.
A ratchet was seized at the scene and is being treated as part of the ongoing enquiries.
The force said it recognised there had been significant discussion and speculation about the incident on social media and asked people not to speculate while enquiries continue.
A police spokesperson added: "Our priority is to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation and to support the rights of people to protest peacefully while keeping all communities safe."
Paula Ewers, organiser of the protest, described the man's driving as 'aggressive'.
She disputed claims that protesters had provoked the man by hitting his car, throwing water and spitting on him and his female passenger.
However, she condemned the "racist language" used by a 'YouTuber' who recorded the altercation.
She said: "The only disgusting comments were made by the guy filming.
"He did use racist language that nobody who organises the march or the residents attending condone or use."
The group has held several protests, which she described as peaceful.
She said: "It’s just a shame that the actions of this young man and the words of the YouTube creator cast a shadow over all the hard work and support that has been achieved over the last seven weeks."
Demonstrators are now "scared" to protest peacefully, according to Ms Ewers.
She concluded: "The majority of the people who attend our protests are over the age of 50, families with small children and disabled people.
"These are very vulnerable people who are now scared of being attacked for speaking out about their fears."
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