San Diego City Councilman Sean Elo-Rivera sparked a firestorm by calling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents “terrorists” in a controversial social media post, prompting sharp criticism from federal officials and White House aide Stephen Miller. Elo-Rivera referred to ICE operations in San Diego as “state-sponsored terrorism,” claiming agents targeted parents, law-abiding citizens, and employees. Stephen Miller, a White House aide, condemned the remarks, saying they encourage “violence against law enforcement to aid and abet the invasion of America.”
California Councilman’s Inflammatory Remarks Spark National Outrage
San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera has come under intense scrutiny after publishing an Instagram post that labeled Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as “terrorists.” The controversial post included a photograph of ICE agents operating in San Diego accompanied by the song “Bulls On Parade” by Rage Against The Machine. In his caption, Elo-Rivera accused the federal agency of targeting innocent community members and characterized their enforcement actions as acts of terror rather than legitimate law enforcement operations.
The councilman’s remarks come at a time when ICE has been conducting intensified operations throughout California, including reported arrests at courthouses and other public locations. Videos circulating online show confrontations between ICE agents and local residents, with some encounters drawing crowds of protesters who chant “shame” at the federal officers as they attempt to carry out their duties. These incidents highlight the growing tension between federal immigration enforcement and communities that oppose their methods.
NEW: San Diego Democrat city councilman @SeanEloRivera calls ICE “terrorists” in an Instagram post, alleging they are committing “state-sponsored terrorism”, & urging the public to “fight back”.
This, after @GovTimWalz & Congressman @danielsgoldman both called ICE the “Gestapo”. pic.twitter.com/taR8GT03jC
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) May 31, 2025
White House Responds with Sharp Criticism
The Biden administration wasted no time condemning Elo-Rivera’s characterization of federal law enforcement officers. Stephen Miller, a White House aide with significant influence on immigration policy, issued a forceful statement suggesting that such rhetoric could potentially incite violence against federal agents. Miller framed the councilman’s comments as part of a dangerous pattern of left-wing extremism that undermines border security efforts.
“We are living in the age of left-wing domestic terrorism. They are openly encouraging violence against law enforcement to aid and abet the invasion of America.” – Stephen Miller
An ICE spokesperson called the councilman’s comparison “sickening” and defended the agency’s mission as critical to public safety. Rather than backing down, Elo-Rivera responded to Miller’s criticism by calling him “one of the most dishonest and worst people in America” while doubling down on his opposition to ICE operations in San Diego. The exchange has further polarized an already contentious national debate over immigration enforcement methods.
Meet Sean Elo-Rivera he's the President of the City Council in San Diego
Called for ICE agents to be Doxxed & posted a pic on Instagram depicting them as terrorists
Inciting violence on federal agts is a crime
Raise your hand ✋️ if you want the @FBI to pay him a visit today pic.twitter.com/47hLrzxFTX
— @Chicago1Ray 🇺🇸 (@Chicago1Ray) June 3, 2025
Growing Tension Between Federal Agents and Sanctuary Jurisdictions
The controversy in San Diego reflects a broader national pattern of increasing resistance to federal immigration enforcement in so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions. Patricia Hyde, who heads ICE operations in Boston, recently expressed concern about the deteriorating relationship between federal immigration authorities and local governments. She warned that the lack of cooperation from sanctuary cities is worsening and potentially endangering law enforcement personnel who are simply trying to fulfill their duties.
The Department of Homeland Security recently removed a list of “sanctuary” jurisdictions from its website following criticism from the National Sheriffs’ Association, which argued the list could harm relationships between the Trump administration and law enforcement. Despite this concession, DHS officials confirmed they will continue maintaining and updating the sanctuary tally internally. President Trump has previously described non-cooperation with federal immigration authorities as “a lawless insurrection,” signaling the administration’s commitment to overcoming local resistance to its immigration enforcement priorities.
ICE Operations Continue Despite Local Opposition
Despite growing resistance from sanctuary jurisdictions, ICE continues to conduct operations nationwide, including recent actions in Colorado targeting the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. These operations, which involved multiple federal agencies, including the DEA, FBI, and ATF, demonstrate the administration’s determination to enforce immigration laws regardless of local opposition. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons recently reported achieving the highest arrest numbers since President Trump took office, with the agency aiming to reach 3,000 arrests per day.
The ongoing confrontation between federal immigration authorities and local officials like Elo-Rivera underscores the deep divisions in American politics over immigration enforcement. As the administration pushes forward with its aggressive deportation strategy, sanctuary jurisdictions continue to resist, creating a patchwork of enforcement realities across the country and setting the stage for further escalation of an already contentious national debate.