In response to violent protests at a California cannabis farm, President Donald Trump has granted "Total Authorization" to ICE agents for self-defense, Fox News reported.
President Donald Trump has empowered ICE officials to fully protect themselves following escalated clashes during a raid at a California cannabis farm.
The directive was issued as Trump returned to Washington from a visit to Texas, where he surveyed flood damage that resulted in the deaths of 120 people.
President Trump vehemently criticized the protesters, describing them as "THUGS" for attacking ICE officers with rocks and bricks during their operational duties. This assault occurred while officers were inside their vehicles.
"Tremendous damage was done to these brand new vehicles," said Trump, pointing out the significant harm to both property and officer morale wrought by the protestors.
Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Trump declared, "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!"
During the federal raid at Glass House Farms locations in Camarillo and Carpinteria, officers faced not just rocks but also tear gas and other projectiles. The raid became more chaotic with every unfolded event.
A tragic event occurred when a worker at the farm fell to his death from a greenhouse roof. Initially, this led to confusion about the circumstances surrounding his death.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin clarified, "This man was not in and has not been in CBP or ICE custody," confirming the worker's death was unrelated to direct enforcement actions.
In light of these events, Trump instructed Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Czar Tom Homan to ensure that all law enforcement personnel have the authority to arrest anyone who endangers their safety.
"I am giving Total Authorization for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the Public," Trump further confirmed during his directives, bolstering the defense capabilities of ICE agents.
This comprehensive authorization hints at a potential escalation in law enforcement's approach to managing protests and operations, particularly those involving ICE.
The recent directives could lead to stricter engagement rules for ICE and other law enforcement agencies during operations that meet with public resistance.
This change might affect both the tactics used by law enforcement and the public's reaction to ICE operations and similar enforcement activities.
Looking forward, the alterations in engagement rules and the emphasis on officer safety stipulated by these new directives are poised to redefine operational protocols within ICE and its interactions with the community.
