Donald Trump Declares 'Total Authorization' for ICE Agents

In a dramatic escalation of federal immigration enforcement, President Donald Trump has granted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and other federal agents "total authorization" to defend themselves by any means necessary, following violent clashes during a controversial raid on a cannabis farm in California.

The order comes after Trump claimed ICE agents were attacked by protesters hurling rocks and bricks during a recent operation at Glass House Farms in Camarillo, Ventura County. Taking to Truth Social, the President wrote:

"I was watching in disbelief as THUGS were violently throwing rocks and bricks at ICE Officers... 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... to stop their car and arrest these SLIMEBALLS, using whatever means is necessary."

He added, in all caps:

“AUTHORIZATION IMMEDIATELY GRANTED FOR ARREST AND INCARCERATION.”

🔥 Raids Spark Chaos and Legal Battles in California

Tensions have been mounting in California as the Trump administration ramps up its immigration crackdown. Just weeks after National Guard troops were deployed in Los Angeles — over the objections of Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom — ICE agents this week carried out a new round of raids at two cannabis cultivation sites operated by Glass House Farms in Camarillo and Carpinteria.

The raids, backed by military-style vehicles and uniformed National Guard troops, drew immediate backlash as reports of violence, arrests, and injuries emerged.

One farmworker, Jaime Alanis, tragically died after falling 30 feet from a building during the Camarillo raid. Alanis had worked at the site for over a decade, according to the United Farm Workers (UFW). Several others, including U.S. citizens, were detained or hospitalized with serious injuries.

📹 Videos of Tear Gas, Gunfire, and Federal Aggression Emerge

Social media and news footage from the raids showed chaos on the ground. In one viral video shared by California Governor Newsom, children were seen fleeing from tear gas fired by federal agents. Another clip broadcast by KABC-TV captured a man appearing to fire a handgun at officers as they launched smoke canisters into a crowd.

Multiple federal agents were seen pinning protesters to the ground. ICE later confirmed that four U.S. citizens were arrested for "assaulting or resisting officers," and a $50,000 reward was issued for information leading to the arrest of an individual seen allegedly firing a weapon.

The Department of Homeland Security said at least 10 undocumented minors were discovered on-site, eight of whom were unaccompanied. Child labor violations are now under investigation, according to CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott.

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🌿 Farm Owner Speaks Out, Legal Defense Begins

Glass House Farms, a licensed cannabis operation in California, confirmed that federal agents executed valid warrants and stated that the company is cooperating fully while also securing legal support for its workers. The farm emphasized it has “never knowingly violated hiring laws” and has “never employed minors.”

Cannabis is fully legal in California with proper licensing, and Glass House holds multiple active permits from the state.

Still, the raids — especially targeting legal agricultural businesses — have raised concerns about political motivations, worker protections, and the legal gray areas between federal immigration law and California labor regulations.

🚨 Mixed Messages on Farmworkers and Deportation

The administration’s position on migrant farmworkers remains inconsistent. On June 14, Trump issued a temporary pause on farm-related immigration enforcement. Less than two weeks later, ICE resumed raids. Then, in a confusing twist, Trump said on July 3 he would allow migrant farmworkers to stay if their employers could "vouch" for them — only for his agriculture secretary to reaffirm there would be "no amnesty."

These shifting stances have left employers, workers, and even ICE agents unclear on what policies are actually being enforced. Industry groups warn that mass deportations could devastate the food supply chain, with thousands of acres of crops already going unharvested in California due to labor shortages.

⚖️ Political and Legal Fallout Escalates

Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the raids and accused the federal government of child cruelty and overreach, stating:

“California prosecutes child exploiters and traffickers. Trump tear-gasses children, rips them from their parents, and deports farmworkers. Priorities.”

Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA), who tried to observe the raid in Carpinteria, was denied entry and said federal agents used “unnecessarily aggressive and militarized tactics” against peaceful protesters and farmworkers.

Legal challenges over jurisdiction are now unfolding as California pushes back against what state officials call a violation of local sovereignty and due process.

⚠️ What’s Next?

Trump has pledged to continue these raids nationwide as part of what he describes as the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history. Thousands more ICE officers have reportedly been mobilized, with additional operations expected in Texas, Arizona, Florida, and parts of the Midwest in coming weeks.

Civil rights groups and immigration advocates are bracing for further confrontations and court battles, while the administration appears committed to pressing ahead — regardless of opposition from state governments, human rights organizations, or even Congress.