San Diego Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera ignites controversy by labeling ICE raids as “state-sponsored terrorism” on Instagram, drawing criticism from officials and law enforcement advocates.

Instagram Post Sparks Intense Reactions

San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera came under intense public scrutiny over the weekend after posting an image of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents with the word “Terrorists” scrawled in red across the photo. The post, accompanied by the song “Bulls on Parade,” criticized recent ICE operations in San Diego neighborhoods.

“Look at this photo. This isn’t a war zone—it’s a neighborhood in our city,” Elo-Rivera wrote. He alleged that agents had targeted parents at schools, people inside courthouses, and workers at local businesses, all under what he described as the false guise of safety. “This isn’t safety. It’s state-sponsored terrorism,” he stated.

Representing the city’s 9th District, Elo-Rivera followed up with additional Instagram stories. He accused ICE of operating in South Park and warned residents that future raids could impact anyone. He characterized ICE agents as “jackbooted thugs,” “cowards,” and “criminals,” and directly accused the Department of Homeland Security of facilitating systemic abuse.

Despite mounting criticism, Elo-Rivera doubled down. After a media outlet drew attention to his remarks, he responded, “I said what I meant and meant what I said.” He shared a screenshot from Cornell Law School’s website highlighting the lack of a universal definition for terrorism, suggesting that ICE’s conduct meets commonly accepted criteria.

Federal Officials and Public Figures Respond

The backlash extended to federal officials. A senior homeland security advisor condemned Elo-Rivera’s language, claiming it encourages violence against law enforcement and undermines border integrity. Elo-Rivera countered, referring to the advisor as “one of the most dishonest and worst people in America.”

ICE responded with a formal statement expressing concern over the rhetoric. “Elected officials comparing ICE law enforcement agents to terrorists is sickening,” a spokesperson stated. The agency reported a 413% increase in assaults on its officers and emphasized its role in removing individuals convicted of serious crimes from U.S. communities.

Although Cornell University, Cornell Law School, and the San Diego City Council president did not comment publicly, the social and political fallout continues to ripple. Advocates of immigrant rights praised Elo-Rivera’s statements as a rare moment of public defiance, while critics warned that such rhetoric jeopardizes officer safety and fuels public division.

As the debate intensifies, Elo-Rivera has shown no indication of retracting his comments. The controversy underscores growing tensions between local officials in sanctuary jurisdictions and federal immigration authorities over enforcement practices and public accountability.