WASHINGTON, DC — President Donald Trump has issued a forceful directive granting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents broad authority to arrest and detain protesters who violently oppose immigration raids. Labeling the demonstrators as “thugs” and “slimeballs,” Trump condemned attacks against law enforcement amid escalating tensions in California.
The confrontations erupted during recent federal immigration raids on large cannabis farms in California, where nearly 200 undocumented workers were arrested. Protesters responded by throwing rocks and bricks at ICE vehicles, igniting a fierce standoff.
In response, Trump instructed Homeland Security and border officials to empower officers to use “whatever means necessary” to protect themselves and complete their operations safely.
‘No More Attacks on Law Enforcement’
While returning from Texas, where he surveyed the devastation of recent floods, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to express outrage over the violent protests aimed at blocking ICE agents.
On July 10, federal agents launched coordinated raids at Glass House Farms in Camarillo and Carpinteria—two of California’s largest cannabis operations. The protests escalated as agents faced protesters blocking roads and assaulting their vehicles throughout the day.
“I watched in disbelief as THUGS violently threw rocks and bricks at ICE officers while they were moving down a roadway in their official vehicles,” Trump wrote. “Tremendous damage was inflicted on these brand-new vehicles. These officers are struggling to tolerate this blatant disrespect for LAW AND ORDER.”
He continued, “Therefore, I am instructing Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Border Czar Tom Homan to direct all ICE agents, Homeland Security personnel, and any other law enforcement officers to halt their vehicles and detain individuals who assault them—using whatever means necessary.”
“I am granting full authorization for ICE to defend itself, just as they protect the public. I never want to witness a law enforcement vehicle being attacked again. AUTHORIZATION IMMEDIATELY GRANTED FOR ARREST AND INCARCERATION. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Widespread Support for Trump’s Hardline Stance
Trump’s announcement quickly went viral online, garnering over 30,000 likes and thousands of supportive comments from users on Truth Social and other platforms.
One commenter stated, “Peaceful protest is protected by the Constitution. If you throw weapons or threaten law enforcement, you deserve to be arrested and punished.”
Another declared, “We stand with President Trump and ICE! The lawless left must be stopped. DEPORT!!! 🇺🇸”
Some even called for military support: “The military should accompany ICE agents during these operations to ensure their safety.”
Expressions of gratitude also poured in: “Thank you, President Trump, for defending our rights and working tirelessly to remove illegal immigrants and criminals from our country!”
Calls for harsh punishment echoed widely, with comments like, “Arrest and incarcerate these violent protesters for an extended period!” and “Finally, consequences for these thugs!”
Others emphasized accountability: “Make them pay for every cent of the damage they caused, now and forever. Period.”
Note: This article includes statements and opinions shared online by various individuals and organizations. MEAWW cannot independently verify these claims and does not endorse the views expressed.