President Trump’s top immigration advisor, Tom Homan, slammed left-wing protesters who violently confronted federal agents during a raid on a California cannabis farm, accusing Democrats of emboldening extremists with dangerous rhetoric.
“What happened in California is another example of protesters becoming criminals,” Homan told Fox News. “They’ve been emboldened by members of Congress who compared ICE to Nazis, racists, and terrorists.”
The raid, conducted at a marijuana grow operation in Camarillo, turned chaotic when hundreds of protesters showed up to block federal immigration enforcement efforts. Some launched rocks at government vehicles and shattered windows as agents transported detainees. One protester was even caught on video allegedly firing a handgun at agents — prompting a $50,000 reward from the FBI for information leading to his arrest.
Authorities said the farm was employing illegal aliens, including children. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott confirmed that ten minors were discovered, eight of whom were unaccompanied. The site is now under investigation for possible child labor violations.
Homan, who served as Acting ICE Director under Trump and now advises the White House on border enforcement, made clear that peaceful protest is legal—but interfering with federal agents is not.
“Protesters have First Amendment rights, but they do not have the right to interfere with law enforcement operations. That’s a felony,” he said. “Putting hands on an agent is a felony.”
He also blasted the media for ignoring the scope of the problem.
“We’re looking for over 300,000 missing children. We’ve already found 10,000. Have you heard that anywhere? No. The media is simply not covering it,” Homan said.
According to an August 2024 DHS Inspector General report, over 291,000 unaccompanied minors who entered the U.S. illegally in recent years were released without court notices, making them virtually untraceable. The report said ICE often loses track of children once they’re transferred out of DHS custody.
Homan called out Democrats for fueling the hostility.
“They hate President Trump more than they want safe communities,” he said. “They’ve made ICE the scapegoat while ignoring the damage being done—especially to vulnerable children.”
The White House has condemned Democrat rhetoric as dangerous and reckless, noting that several officials have compared ICE agents to Nazi Germany’s Gestapo. The administration maintains that ICE is doing vital work, removing criminals and rescuing children from dangerous situations—work that should be bipartisan.
“This should be a nonpartisan issue,” Homan said. “Rescuing children, arresting public safety threats—everyone should be on the same page. Sadly, that’s not the case.”