Former Democrat Strategist Breaks Ranks, Slams Party for Ignoring Attacks on ICE [WATCH]

Former Democratic Party strategist Dan Turrentine appeared on Fox News Friday to express frustration with members of his own party for failing to condemn activists who obstruct U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, especially in the wake of violent incidents during a recent immigration enforcement action in California.

During an appearance on “Hannity,” Turrentine responded to the July raid at a cannabis farm in Camarillo, where a man reportedly opened fire on federal agents.

Organized demonstrations had been encouraged by groups including the Ventura County chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) and VC Defensa, both of which have used social media platforms to rally protestors against ICE activity.

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“One of the things that’s frustrating as a Democrat is that there’s no criticism of people attacking and impeding ICE. We have this problem here in New York with the mayoral candidate kind of saying that ‘Oh, the police are the problem,’” Turrentine said Friday.

Turrentine pointed specifically to California Governor Gavin Newsom, criticizing his silence following the raid and surrounding protests.

“Again, I go back to common sense, like we can’t have these images or just the reality of people attacking and impeding ICE officers and as a party just whistling past it,” he said.

“And going and talking about, you know, ‘Oh, he ought to stay out of here, and it’s just some people picking in a farm.’ Again, the public won’t even hear us on that conversation.”

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The Camarillo raid, which took place earlier this month, led to the discovery of 10 underage workers at the farm, eight of whom were unaccompanied minors.

Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott confirmed the findings Thursday in a post on X, stating that federal authorities are now investigating potential child labor violations at the site.

These are the juveniles found in the marijuana facility – almost all unaccompanied, one as young as 14.

California are you ready to partner with us to stop child exploitation? https://t.co/s6VATstZ4G pic.twitter.com/M96nR0gqoU

— CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott (@CBPCommissioner) July 11, 2025

Following the raid, several Democratic politicians condemned the operation, claiming it unfairly targeted migrant laborers.

However, critics say those lawmakers failed to acknowledge the discovery of unaccompanied children working in illegal conditions or the reported gunfire aimed at ICE personnel.

Anti-ICE protests in California have escalated throughout the summer. Demonstrations in Los Angeles organized by PSL and other activist groups led to multiple days of unrest in early June.

Vandalism, fires, and clashes with law enforcement resulted in hundreds of arrests and eventually required the deployment of National Guard troops.

The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the alleged gunman who opened fire on federal agents during the Camarillo raid.

FBI has issued a $50,000 award for information leading to the conviction of an Unknown Subject who appeared to fire a pistol at Federal Law Enforcement Officers near Camarillo. The shooting occurred on 7/10/25 at approximately 2:26pm on Laguna Rd between Wood Rd and Las Posas Rd.… pic.twitter.com/XG94sTQEVR

— U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) July 11, 2025

That incident follows two separate July shootings targeting law enforcement personnel at federal immigration facilities in Texas.

ICE has reported a dramatic rise in violence against its officers in recent years, with a nearly 700% increase in assaults documented.

This Administration is not playing games with the lives and safety of our ICE officers. ICE law enforcement is facing a 700% increase in assaults against them due to rhetoric from politicians like Mayor Bass.

Secretary Noem’s message is clear: If you lay a hand on a law… pic.twitter.com/sWzl3rurbe

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) July 8, 2025

Officials warn that rhetoric and organized obstruction from activist groups may be fueling attacks on federal law enforcement agencies.

As investigations continue, law enforcement agencies are urging the public to come forward with any information related to the Camarillo shooting and other recent incidents involving attacks on federal personnel.