U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday lashed out at protesters who allegedly hurled rocks and bricks at federal immigration officers in California, calling them "slimeballs" and ordering immediate arrests. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, "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." He said the attack caused "tremendous damage" to government vehicles and lamented what he called growing "disrespect" for law enforcement across the country. Trump said he directed the Department of Homeland Security, along with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and border advisor Tom Homan, to instruct ICE, Homeland Security, and law enforcement officers to arrest anyone who attacks agents or vehicles using "whatever means is necessary." "AUTHORIZATION IMMEDIATELY GRANTED FOR ARREST AND INCARCERATION," he declared. The president also granted ICE officers broad authority to defend themselves if assaulted during operations, warning that he "does not want to see law enforcement vehicles targeted again." The incident occurred Thursday during an immigration enforcement operation at Glass House Farms in rural Camarillo, California, where federal agents encountered dozens of protesters. According to local media, the standoff escalated when agents used smoke canisters and flashbangs after being confronted by demonstrators. In response, some individuals reportedly threw rocks and other projectiles at federal personnel. Earlier on Friday, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump toured flood-hit areas in Texas, attending a roundtable with emergency responders and conducting an aerial inspection of the affected region. The clash in California has intensified debate around the use of force in immigration enforcement operations, especially in light of recent legal challenges to ICE practices in Los Angeles. — Agencies
