President Donald Trump has granted what he described as “Total Authorization” to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and other federal officers following violent protests during immigration raids at marijuana farms in California. The move expands the authority of federal law enforcement to arrest protesters who assault them, and it comes in response to escalating tension over immigration enforcement and labor abuses in the state’s cannabis industry.
Violent Protest at California Farm Sparks Federal Action
On July 10, 2025, federal agents conducted large-scale raids at Glass House Farms in Camarillo and Carpinteria, California. The raids were part of a broader investigation into child labor violations and the employment of undocumented migrants. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the operation resulted in the arrest of approximately 200 people suspected of being in the country illegally. Ten minors were also discovered working at the facility.
What was meant to be a standard enforcement operation quickly turned violent. Federal officers were met by a large crowd of protesters attempting to block roadways. As agents tried to leave the scene, they were reportedly assaulted with rocks and bricks. Videos posted to social media showed vehicles being pelted as they drove away. In one of the most serious incidents, an individual appeared to fire a gun at advancing agents.
“During the operation, a violent agitator fired a gun at our brave officers,” said Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security. “We will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law anyone who assaults or doxes federal law enforcement.”
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the identification and conviction of the shooter.
Trump’s Directive: “Arrest These Slimeballs”
President Trump responded forcefully to the violence. After visiting flood-stricken areas in Texas, he issued a lengthy post on Truth Social condemning the attacks and expressing deep frustration over what he called a growing lack of respect for 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,” Trump wrote. “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.”
Trump said he had directed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Czar Tom Homan to give officers full authority to protect themselves and make arrests.
“Therefore, I am directing Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, and Border Czar, Tom Homan, to instruct all ICE, Homeland Security, or any other Law Enforcement Officer who is on the receiving end of thrown rocks, bricks, or any other form of assault, to stop their car, and arrest these SLIMEBALLS, using whatever means is necessary to do so,” Trump continued. “I am giving Total Authorization for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the Public. I never want to see a car carrying a Law Enforcement Officer attacked again! AUTHORIZATION IMMEDIATELY GRANTED FOR ARREST AND INCARCERATION.”
The directive gives ICE agents and DHS officers enhanced authority to arrest and detain individuals who assault law enforcement using physical projectiles such as rocks or bricks. It also allows them to use force to protect themselves if necessary. Trump’s order expands on previous actions taken in June, when he deployed the California National Guard and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to protect agents after similar unrest.
An appeals court has allowed those troops to remain in place while it considers whether the president’s use of military forces for immigration enforcement is lawful. A ruling is expected in August.
Tragic Fallout: Death of a Farmworker
The raids also resulted in the death of a migrant worker. The United Farm Workers union reported that the man was injured during the enforcement operation and later died from his wounds. Homeland Security officials said the individual was not being chased by federal agents when he climbed onto the roof of a greenhouse and fell 30 feet. Medics were called, but he did not survive.
“This man was not in and has not been in CBP or ICE custody,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. “Although he was not being pursued by law enforcement, this individual climbed up to the roof of a greenhouse and fell. CBP immediately called a medivac to the scene to get him care as quickly as possible.”
Several other workers were critically injured during the raids, raising further questions about the use of force and the handling of the operation.
Supporters Back Trump’s Crackdown
Supporters of the president’s move have praised the decision as necessary and overdue. Tom Homan, who previously served as acting director of ICE and is now Border Czar, said the violence against officers was unacceptable and needed to be dealt with using firm measures.
“These are not peaceful protesters. These are criminals,” Homan said in a Fox News interview. “Throwing rocks and firing guns at federal agents is not free speech. It is a crime, and it must be treated as such.”
Many conservative commentators and law enforcement groups also defended Trump’s approach, saying that officers have been restrained for too long in the face of growing hostility.
Critics Warn of Overreach and Intimidation
Civil liberties advocates, immigrant rights groups, and some lawmakers were quick to condemn Trump’s directive. They argue that authorizing agents to use “whatever means is necessary” could lead to excessive force, wrongful arrests, and further violence.
“Calling protesters ‘slimeballs’ and empowering ICE to crack down on anyone who resists is dangerous and reckless,” said Marisa Lopez of California Legal Aid for Migrants. “This is a political stunt designed to scare immigrants and silence dissent.”
Others warned about the legality of using military forces in immigration enforcement. “Deploying the National Guard and Marines in domestic law enforcement roles sets a troubling precedent,” said Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas. “This isn’t about safety—it’s about sending a message of intimidation.”
As the fallout from the California raid continues, Trump’s “total authorization” order has ignited another round of debate over immigration, law enforcement, and presidential power. With protests still ongoing and court battles ahead, the administration’s hardline approach is likely to remain a flashpoint for both supporters and critics.
NP Editor: Trump has no choice but to continue to hunt down and deport criminal illegal aliens, and Homan is the bull in the china shop getting it done. The Democrats are playing a dangerous game encourage riots and violence, and people will die.
I feel bad for the illegals who are here trying to make a better life for themselves but we cannot allow the violent and criminal illegals to remain. Trump has already been looking at ways to retain some of them for farming and hotels, but this will not be a quick nor easy process.
