President Donald Trump has issued a sweeping directive to federal law enforcement, authorizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and other Homeland Security agents to arrest violent anti-ICE rioters using “whatever means is necessary.”
The order follows a wave of coordinated attacks on ICE agents and facilities across the country, particularly in Democrat-run cities like Los Angeles. Protesters have hurled bricks, smashed government vehicles, and, in some cases, opened fire on federal agents.
On his way back from Texas Friday night, Trump posted a forceful statement on Truth Social, describing what he had witnessed.
“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,” Trump wrote. “Tremendous damage was done to these brand new vehicles.”
The president expressed frustration with how agents had been forced to endure attacks without a strong federal response. “I know for a fact that these Officers are having a hard time with allowing this to happen in that it shows such total disrespect for LAW AND ORDER,” he said.
As a result, Trump said he has granted full authority to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Czar Tom Homan to end the violence. “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 who is on the receiving end of thrown rocks, bricks, or any other form of assault, to stop their car, and arrest these SLIMEBALLS, using whatever means is necessary to do so.”
Trump added: “I never want to see a car carrying a Law Enforcement Officer attacked again! AUTHORIZATION IMMEDIATELY GRANTED FOR ARREST AND INCARCERATION.”
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson confirmed the order, blasting Democrats for inciting the violence. “For weeks, we’ve seen violent leftists assault heroic ICE agents,” Jackson said. “They’ve thrown rocks at their vehicles, tried to violently obstruct enforcement operations, and yesterday someone even shot at them.”
Earlier in the week, a man ambushed and opened fire on Border Patrol agents in McAllen, Texas, wounding several law enforcement officers before he was killed by responding agents. On Thursday, a second gunman appeared to fire at agents during a raid in Camarillo, California. The FBI is investigating both incidents.
“ICE agents are facing a 700 percent increase in assaults because of smears and lies from Democrats,” Jackson continued. “This violence must end.”
The new directive comes as the Trump administration takes an increasingly aggressive stance toward anti-enforcement protesters who have disrupted immigration operations and physically attacked federal officers. Trump’s latest order gives ICE and other federal law enforcement agencies the legal authority and political backing to arrest rioters on the spot and charge them with federal crimes.
Donald J. Trump Truth Social 07.11.25 07:32 PM EST pic.twitter.com/eXyx1avqGB
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) July 11, 2025