San Diego councilmember labels ICE agents ‘terrorists’ in social media post
San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera faced intense backlash over the weekend after posting a controversial photo on Instagram. The photo featured ICE agents in a parking lot, with the word “Terrorists” written in red over them. Elo-Rivera accompanied the photo with a caption criticizing ICE’s actions in the city, accusing them of targeting innocent individuals and labeling their actions as “state-sponsored terrorism.”
The post quickly garnered attention, with many social media users expressing outrage over Elo-Rivera’s choice of words. The councilmember continued to defend his stance, posting Instagram stories condemning ICE agents as “jackbooted thugs” and “criminals.” He also accused the Department of Homeland Security of inciting “state-sponsored terrorism” through their actions.
The controversy escalated when Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin shared Elo-Rivera’s posts, drawing even more attention to the situation. Elo-Rivera responded by doubling down on his statements, emphasizing that he stood by his words and beliefs. He even shared a screenshot from Cornell Law School’s website, highlighting the characteristics of terrorism to justify his use of the term.
White House deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller, criticized Elo-Rivera’s posts, accusing him of encouraging violence against law enforcement. In response, Elo-Rivera labeled Miller as “one of the most dishonest and worst people in America,” further escalating the tension surrounding the situation.
The controversy comes at a time when sanctuary jurisdictions are increasing their resistance against ICE. Incidents of activists attempting to interfere with ICE operations have been reported, leading to concerns about the safety of law enforcement officers. ICE officials have expressed frustration with the lack of cooperation from sanctuary cities, stating that it puts their lives at risk.
Despite the backlash, Elo-Rivera has not backed down from his statements, standing firm in his belief that ICE’s actions constitute terrorism. The San Diego City Council president and Cornell University did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the situation.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera’s Instagram post highlights the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and the role of ICE in communities. The incident serves as a reminder of the deep divisions and strong emotions surrounding the issue, with both supporters and critics of ICE expressing their viewpoints passionately.
