President Donald Trump has given federal immigration agents “total authorization” to defend themselves in the wake of violent clashes with protesters during a recent enforcement operation at a California cannabis farm.

The authorization came after the president said on Truth Social he watched in disbelief “as THUGS were violently throwing rocks and bricks at ICE Officers while they were moving down a roadway in their car.”

“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 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. I am giving Total Authorization for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the Public.”

He added: “I never want to see a car carrying a Law Enforcement Officer attacked again! AUTHORIZATION IMMEDIATELY GRANTED FOR ARREST AND INCARCERATION.”

Tensions have continued to escalate in California amid President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies, with protests and unrest erupting across Los Angeles last month following a series of ICE deportation raids.

Demonstrators hurled rocks at law enforcement and set vehicles ablaze as Trump ordered the deployment of more than 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to the city, defying California Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections and triggering a bitter legal battle over state versus federal authority.