President Donald Trump has granted what he calls “total authorization” for federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to defend themselves, following a series of confrontations with protesters during immigration enforcement operations. This directive comes after recent clashes, including incidents during raids in California and a shooting outside a Texas detention center.
The President’s order signals a heightened stance on immigration enforcement and public dissent, directing federal agencies to take strong action against those who obstruct operations.
New Orders for ICE Operations
In a statement on Truth Social, President Trump announced his directive to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and “border czar” Tom Homan.
- Self-Protection: Trump stated he is giving “Total Authorization for Ice to protect itself, just like they protect the Public.”
- Arrest of Protesters: He also instructed officials to “arrest these SLIMEBALLS” who throw objects or assault officers, “using whatever means is necessary to do so.” This directly addresses incidents where agents faced thrown rocks, bricks, or other forms of assault.
Recent Clashes Fueling the Directive
The President’s order appears to be a direct response to recent high-profile confrontations:
- California Cannabis Farm Raids: On Thursday, federal agents clashed with protesters during immigration raids on two cannabis farms in Ventura County, California.
- At Glass House Farms in Camarillo, agents reportedly used crowd-control measures like tear gas against protesters who threw bricks.
- Another raid occurred at the Glass House Farms site in Carpinteria.
- Federal authorities reported approximately 200 suspected undocumented immigrants arrested across both raids.
- A farm worker was fatally injured after falling from a roof during the operation. Homeland Security officials stated the individual was not in custody or being pursued, but fell while climbing.
- Texas Detention Center Shooting: Last week, 10 people were arrested on attempted murder charges in connection with a shooting outside the Prairieland detention center in Alvarado, Texas. A police officer was shot in what prosecutors described as a “planned ambush.” Authorities are still searching for an 11th suspect linked to the incident and a 12th, identified as Benjamin Hanil Song, a former Marine Corps reservist, who is considered armed and dangerous.
- Border Patrol Facility Attack: On July 7, a man armed with a rifle was shot dead by police after opening fire at a Border Patrol facility in McAllen, Texas, injuring two officers and an employee.
Political Reactions and Shifting Policy
The administration’s actions have drawn sharp criticism, particularly from California officials.
- California Governor’s Response: Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the administration’s tactics as “inhumane” and stated they “evoke chaos, fear and terror within our communities.” His office further criticized the actions as an “assault on democracy and the Constitution.”
- Policy Contradiction: These raids occurred despite previous guidance from a senior ICE official, Tatum King, advising regional leaders to halt workplace immigration enforcement actions unless tied to criminal investigations, specifically in agriculture, restaurants, and hotels.
- ICE Funding Increase: Under President Trump’s recently signed spending bill, ICE’s annual budget will significantly increase from around $8 billion to approximately $28 billion. This funding includes plans to hire 10,000 new agents, aiming to make ICE the highest-funded law enforcement agency.
President Trump stated he watched the California incidents “in disbelief,” criticizing the “THUGS” who “were violently throwing rocks and bricks at ICE Officers.” He expressed concern that allowing such actions showed “total disrespect for LAW AND ORDER.”