President Trump announced on Friday that he has given immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) agents “full permission” to arrest violent protesters. This decision follows an incident in California where protesters threw rocks at federal law enforcement during a cannabis farm operation.
Trump described the situation, stating that while returning from Texas, he witnessed “thugs” violently throwing rocks and bricks at ICE officers as they were on the road in official vehicles. He noted the damage inflicted on the new vehicles, emphasizing that these officers face significant challenges due to the blatant disrespect shown toward law and order.
He directed Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem and Border Patrol Chief Tom Homan to stop their vehicles and detain those engaging in such assaults. He mentioned that ICE officers are allowed to use “necessary measures” for their protection.
Federal agents had gathered at Glasshouse Farm in Camarillo, California, to conduct immigration enforcement when they encountered a large group of protesters. Reports indicated that the crowd attempted to block the road leading to the farms.
One individual in the protest reportedly fired a gun at an ICE agent, prompting the FBI to offer a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the shooter’s conviction. Videos shared on social media captured the chaotic scenes, showing agents swiftly leaving their vehicles in response to the attacks.
Trump reiterated his support for law enforcement, stating he does not want to see officers in vehicles being targeted again. He expressed gratitude for awareness surrounding the issue of their safety.
Last month, Trump took measures to safeguard ICE and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents during immigration raids, deploying troops in Los Angeles after similar disruptions occurred. A court ruling allowed him to keep forces in Los Angeles until a trial in August to assess the legality of deploying military personnel for such operations.
In a tragic turn, an immigrant farm worker tragically died after falling 30 feet while attempting to escape the chaos at the pot farm. Homeland Security Advisor Tricia McLaughlin noted that federal authorities were not pursuing the workers at that time. Other farm workers were also seriously injured during the protests, leading to the arrest of around 200 individuals suspected of being in the country illegally.
