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Pundit Says Tire-Slashings and Chases of ICE Agents in Charlotte Reflect Public Fury

12:29 AM, 11/25/2025

Dr. Jason Johnson said he "won't say that I'm suggesting this behavior," but did not condemn reports that protesters in Charlotte slashed tires and chased ICE agents out of buildings, calling the incidents "dangerous" while framing them as expressions of public frustration. He praised student walkouts that left more than 30,000 students absent on Nov. 17, the day enforcement activity began, which local reports say led to roughly 250 arrests. Others, including former congressman Jason Chaffetz, defended the agents and urged them to continue their work despite protests.

Dr. Jason Johnson reacted to reports that protesters in Charlotte had slashed vehicle tires and chased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents out of restaurants and buildings during a recent enforcement operation. Speaking during a televised segment with host Stephanie Ruhle, he said he "won't say that I'm suggesting this behavior," but made clear he was not disturbed by it either.

Johnson: Dangerous, but a sign of frustration

When Ruhle interjected that such actions were "dangerous behavior," Johnson agreed. He nonetheless argued that the incidents signaled deep public anger over the raids and served as a demonstration of what people might do when they feel unheard.

"It is a demonstration that the American public — when they're not being listened to — these are the options that they'll take," Johnson said. "I hope this administration listens and pulls back these ICE raids."

Earlier in the segment, Johnson named as his "MVP of the Week" the students who walked out in Charlotte to protest the enforcement actions. Local reports said more than 30,000 students missed school on Nov. 17, the day the operation began, and that Border Patrol made roughly 250 arrests during the activity.

Different voices, different perspectives

Not all commentators shared Johnson's tone. Former congressman Jason Chaffetz urged immigration agents to ignore protesters and continue their work, telling officers and their families that they have support from the administration and from many Americans. The contrast underscored sharply different views about both the tactics used by some demonstrators and the broader debate over immigration enforcement.

The episode prompted renewed discussion about how public outrage is expressed at protests and where lines should be drawn between civil disobedience, dangerous conduct, and criminal acts.

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