San Diego Councilmember Faces Backlash Over Social Media Post
A San Diego city councilmember sparked outrage on social media after posting a photo of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, with the word “Terrorists” emblazoned over the image in bold red letters. The controversial post by Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera was shared on Instagram over the weekend, igniting a firestorm of reactions from both supporters and critics.
The Instagram Post that Ignited Controversy
In the post, which included the Rage Against The Machine song “Bulls On Parade,” Elo-Rivera depicted immigration agents in a parking lot, equipped with helmets and vests while armed with weapons. The city councilmember commented, “Look at this photo. This isn’t a war zone—it’s a neighborhood in our city.”
He criticized ICE’s operations, claiming they have targeted innocent parents, law-abiding individuals at courthouses, and workers merely carrying out their jobs at local businesses. “These are federal agents carrying out raids under the false pretense of ‘safety,’” Elo-Rivera stated, declaring, “This isn’t safety. It’s state-sponsored terrorism.” He called for anyone who values freedom and genuine safety to rise up against such actions.
A Series of Criticisms and Support
Before his viral post, Elo-Rivera had already taken to Instagram to voice his discontent about ICE activities in San Diego, specifically mentioning the targeting of parents outside schools in his district. “They’ve targeted hard working folks in South Park, and tomorrow it could be anyone in any neighborhood in San Diego,” he warned in one of his stories. The councilmember’s fervent language continued as he characterized ICE agents as “jackbooted thugs,” “cowards,” and “criminals,” reiterating his stance that DHS’s actions amount to “state-sponsored terrorism.”
Reactions from Political Figures
Following Elo-Rivera’s incendiary comments, the issue gained traction after LA-based Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin shared the story on Saturday afternoon. In response, Elo-Rivera reiterated his choice of words, stating, “I said what I meant and meant what I said.” He even posted a screenshot from Cornell Law School’s website, noting the absence of a universal definition for terrorism, alongside a list of common elements that typically characterize such acts. Furthermore, he referred to those criticizing his comments as “fascists.”
In a pointed response, Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff for policy, took to X (formerly Twitter) to denounce Elo-Rivera’s statements. He remarked, “We are living in the age of leftwing domestic terrorism. They are openly encouraging violence against law enforcement to aid and abet the invasion of America.” Elo-Rivera retorted by calling Miller “one of the most dishonest and worst people in America,” expressing that nothing affirmed his position more than Miller’s disapproval.
Escalation of Tension in Sanctuary Jurisdictions
The backdrop of this social media conflict was underscored by recent comments made by Patricia Hyde, head of ICE Boston. She indicated that sanctuary jurisdictions are escalating their opposition to ICE, citing incidents involving activists attempting to free suspected illegal immigrants from ICE custody. Hyde expressed concern regarding the growing lack of cooperation, stating, “It’s putting law enforcement lives in danger.”
An ICE spokesperson weighed in, stating that, “Elected officials comparing ICE law enforcement agents to terrorists is SICKENING. Attacks and demonization of ICE and our partners is wrong.” The spokesperson highlighted the alarming statistic that ICE officers have faced a staggering 413% increase in assaults while they work tirelessly to eliminate dangerous criminals from communities.
Community Response and Further Developments
The controversial Instagram posts have prompted widespread debate over the role of immigration enforcement and the safety of communities. Critics of Elo-Rivera argue that such statements can incite further animosity and violence against law enforcement personnel, while supporters argue that they shine a light on the challenges surrounding immigration policies and enforcement actions.
As of now, Cornell University, Cornell Law School, and San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava have not responded to requests for comments regarding the ongoing situation. This incident underscores a greater national dialogue on immigration, law enforcement, and the various perspectives held within communities across America.
Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.
