In May 2025, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey publicly stated that law enforcement officers would use lethal force against protesters who “turn violent” during anti-ICE and anti-Trump demonstrations. The comment, widely shared on social media platforms such as Reddit, Facebook, and X, is accurate and backed by video footage available on YouTube.
The statement came as part of a press conference held by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who announced increased protections for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents ahead of nationwide protests scheduled for June 14. Uthmeier cited violent incidents during earlier demonstrations in Los Angeles and warned of further unrest. Introducing Sheriff Ivey at the event, Uthmeier positioned him as a strong voice for law and order.
While Sheriff Ivey acknowledged that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, he made clear that any escalation into violence would be met with force. His remarks were especially blunt:
“If you resist lawful orders, you’re going to jail. If you block a roadway, you’re going to jail. If you flee, we’ll run you down and you’ll still go to jail. If you mob a car, expect to get run over. If you spit on us or hit one of us, you’re going to the hospital and then jail—and maybe get bitten by one of our big, beautiful dogs. But if you throw a brick, a firebomb, or point a gun at a deputy, we will tell your family where to collect your remains because we will kill you graveyard dead. We’re not going to play.”
The clip drew national attention and was reported by major outlets including NBC and CBS. It also echoed prior comments by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has defended allowing drivers to hit protesters if they feel threatened.
The June 14 demonstrations, organized under the “No Kings” movement, are aimed at protesting President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and the ongoing ICE raids. Organizers have stressed that the protests are intended to be peaceful and that participants are expected to avoid confrontation and refrain from bringing weapons.
Brevard County, a conservative stronghold in Florida, re-elected Ivey unopposed in 2024. He is known for his outspoken style and has made controversial statements before. In 2022, he warned misbehaving students they’d face a “nightmare,” and in 2017, he encouraged citizens to arm themselves, saying, “This is war.”
Sheriff Ivey has also faced legal scrutiny. He’s been sued for defamation and accused of pressuring political candidates to exit races. He previously appeared with Donald Trump at the White House in 2018 to discuss immigration and border security.
Snopes has rated the quote as “Correct Attribution” and has reached out to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office for additional comment. The department has not yet responded.
Ivey’s remarks reflect rising tensions ahead of the June 14 protests and reinforce the hardline stance some law enforcement officials are taking under the Trump administration as immigration enforcement intensifies.
