Trump directs DHS, ICE to protect itself from assaults after 'thugs' throw rocks at federal cars

President Donald Trump on Friday night said he was directing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and border czar Tom Homan to instruct all immigration and border security officers to protect themselves from assaults.

The social media post occurred as the president travels from Texas, where he met with officials and families of people who lost loved ones in recent flooding, to New Jersey for the weekend. 

Trump claimed the announcement was triggered by witnessing people throwing rocks and bricks at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and their vehicles. 

"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 posted to Truth Social. "Tremendous damage was done to these brand new vehicles. 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."

Trump instructed Noem and Homan to allow their teams to use "whatever means is necessary" to arrest people who throw the items at law enforcement officers, in order to protect themselves.

"I am giving Total Authorization for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the Public," Trump wrote. "I never want to see a car carrying a Law Enforcement Officer attacked again! AUTHORIZATION IMMEDIATELY GRANTED FOR ARREST AND INCARCERATION. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

The post also comes after the Trump administration and White House urged Democrats to relax their rhetoric on immigration officials after a handful of recent violent attacks on ICE agents. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.