Donald Trump has authorized federal immigration agents to use “whatever means necessary” to protect themselves following violent protests that erupted during enforcement raids at cannabis farms in California. Protesters tussled with agents in violent confrontations. They threw boulders and bricks while U.S. agents attempted to carry out their enforcement missions.
Ventura County, north of Los Angeles, now succumbed to raids. They raided two illegal cannabis farms, including Glass House Farms in Camarillo. Things turned very violently when federal agents in riot gear used tear gas to clear a largely peaceful crowd from Lafayette Square. The federal agents claimed that the protests quickly escalated with bricks thrown at agents.
Yet in a recent statement looking back on the day’s events, Trump said he was shocked by the violence suffered by those officers. “I 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,” he stated. He denounced the firebombing of federal vehicles and asserted the responsibility of law enforcement to maintain order. Tremendous damage was then done to these new vehicles. I know that these officers are having a very hard time coming to grips with this new reality. It entirely disregards the rule of law and order, Trump continued.
The president’s remarks included a directive for ICE personnel to respond aggressively to such assaults: “Total Authorization for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the Public.” He instructed all law enforcement officers on the receiving end of thrown projectiles to stop their vehicles and arrest those responsible “using whatever means is necessary to do so.”
In the wake of these raids, which saw around 200 suspected undocumented immigrants arrested, things were not so orderly. One farmworker was critically injured during that fall from a roof in the tumultuous events. One police officer who was shot in the neck described it as a planned ambush. The assault, which was executed by members of a paramilitary militia in military fatigues, happened outside a U.S. border patrol station in McAllen, Texas. The individual in question, 27-year-old Ryan Lewis Mosqueda, was shot and killed by police after allegedly firing on officers.
California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly criticized the federal actions, calling them “inhumane” and “appalling.” He criticized the tactics employed during the raids, asserting that they “evoke chaos, fear and terror within our communities at every turn.” Newsom’s office went on to condemn Trump’s rhetoric as an attack on both democracy and the constitutional, democratic order.
In response to the escalating situation, Tatum King, an official within the administration, announced a halt on all worksite enforcement investigations and operations related to agriculture, restaurants, and hotels. We believe this decision is driven by genuine concerns for worker safety. It also speaks to a larger fear about federal intrusions into local communities.
The intensifying conflict between federal immigration enforcement and local protests highlights significant tensions surrounding immigration policy and law enforcement practices in California. Those in support of the administration’s approach are vigorously advocating for it on social media. At the same time, opponents are speaking out — and taking action — with widespread public statements.