President Donald Trump announced Friday that he has granted “Total Authorization” for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to defend themselves following violent confrontations with protesters during immigration enforcement operations at California cannabis farms.
The announcement followed the President’s visit to Texas, where he surveyed flood-ravaged areas that have left at least 120 people dead.
While en route to Washington, Trump posted a statement on Truth Social condemning the violence that took place during the ICE raids and expressing support for federal law enforcement.
“I am on my way back from Texas, and watched in disbelief as THUGS were violently throwing rocks and bricks at ICE Officers while they were moving down a roadway in their car and/or official vehicle,” President Trump wrote.
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“Tremendous damage was done to these brand new vehicles. I know for a fact that these Officers are having a hard time with allowing this to happen in that it shows such total disrespect for LAW AND ORDER.”
The incident occurred during federal operations at Glass House Farms in Camarillo and Carpinteria.
According to officials, law enforcement agents encountered resistance and had to deploy tear gas after projectiles were thrown at them during the raids.
The actions were part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal employment at cannabis grow operations, which remain federally illegal despite state licenses.
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In response to the violence, Trump said he directed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Border Czar Tom Homan to issue new orders to ICE, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other federal officers.
“I am giving Total Authorization for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the Public,” Trump stated.
“I never want to see a car carrying a Law Enforcement Officer attacked again! AUTHORIZATION IMMEDIATELY GRANTED FOR ARREST AND INCARCERATION. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
He also specified that federal officers should respond to any violent assault—such as rocks or bricks being thrown—by stopping their vehicles and arresting the perpetrators “using whatever means is necessary to do so.”
BREAKING: President Trump directs DHS to have Border Patrol and ICE stop their vehicles when agitators throw rocks/bricks at them, get out, and arrest them “using whatever means necessary”. He adds that he is giving “total authorization” for ICE to protect itself. pic.twitter.com/5ojrCJLSgh
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) July 11, 2025
Amid the clash, the United Farm Workers union reported that one individual died as a result of injuries sustained during the raid. In a response provided to Fox News Digital, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin clarified the circumstances surrounding the death.
“This man was not in and has not been in CBP or ICE custody,” McLaughlin said.
“Although he was not being pursued by law enforcement, this individual climbed up to the roof of a greenhouse and fell 30 feet. CBP immediately called a medivac to the scene to get him care as quickly as possible.”
The enforcement actions come amid heightened scrutiny of federal immigration operations in California, where state and local policies have frequently clashed with ICE protocols.
Tensions have escalated as the federal government continues to assert jurisdiction over cannabis operations employing undocumented workers, even in states where marijuana cultivation is legal under local law.
President Trump’s directive marks a reaffirmation of federal authority and a call for stricter enforcement against assaults on law enforcement officials in the line of duty.
No further injuries to officers were reported following the confrontation.
The Department of Homeland Security has not released additional information regarding arrests made during the operation or the condition of the individual who fell from the greenhouse roof.
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