On Friday, former President Donald Trump announced plans to expand the authority of federal immigration officers following a violent incident during an enforcement operation in California. The announcement came after Trump surveyed flood damage in Central Texas and addressed recent clashes involving federal agents.
The situation unfolded in Ventura County, California, during a federal raid on a marijuana operation in Camarillo. According to reports, immigration enforcement agents encountered significant resistance from a group of protesters. The group reportedly surrounded agents, damaged government vehicles by throwing objects, and one individual allegedly fired a weapon in the direction of officers.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said he had reviewed the incident and described the confrontation as dangerous and unacceptable. “Officers were violently attacked with rocks and bricks while inside their vehicles. Significant damage was done to federal property,” he wrote. “Law enforcement must be allowed to operate safely and with the full backing of our nation’s laws.”
To address these concerns, Trump announced he had directed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and border advisor Tom Homan to authorize federal agents to take immediate action when under threat. This includes the ability to stop and detain individuals involved in violent interference with immigration operations.
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