President Donald Trump announced Friday that he has granted federal immigration agents “Total Authorization” to defend themselves following violent clashes with protesters during a raid at a California cannabis farm. The enforcement operation, carried out at Glass House Farms in Camarillo and Carpinteria, drew national attention after agents were reportedly attacked with rocks and bricks.
While traveling from Texas—where he surveyed flood-ravaged areas that left at least 120 dead—Trump posted a forceful statement on Truth Social. “I am on my way back from Texas, and watched in disbelief as THUGS were violently throwing rocks and bricks at ICE Officers,” he wrote. “Tremendous damage was done to these brand new vehicles.”
Condemning the attacks as “total disrespect for LAW AND ORDER,” Trump said he had directed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Border Czar Tom Homan to instruct ICE and Homeland Security officers to arrest anyone assaulting agents “using whatever means is necessary.” He declared: “I am giving Total Authorization for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the Public.”
During the raids, tear gas was deployed, and chaos erupted. The United Farm Workers union reported that one worker died during the operation. However, the Department of Homeland Security later clarified the circumstances. “This man was not in and has not been in CBP or ICE custody,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “He climbed to the roof of a greenhouse and fell 30 feet. CBP immediately called for medevac support to assist him.”
The incident has reignited tensions over immigration enforcement and public safety.
