Wayne Ivey warned anti-ICE protesters in Brevard County that violence against deputies would be met with deadly force.
Florida sheriff Wayne Ivey delivered a chilling warning Thursday (June 12) during a press conference in Brevard County, telling anti-ICE protesters that any violent action toward law enforcement would be met with deadly force, saying, “We will kill you graveyard dead.”
Ivey made no effort to soften his tone as he laid out the consequences for anyone who escalates peaceful protests into physical confrontations with deputies.
“Throw a brick, a firebomb or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains at,” Ivey said. “Because we will kill you graveyard dead. We’re not going to play.”
His remarks came as demonstrations against the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies continue to spread across Florida and the country.
The sheriff said lawful protests are permitted but drew a hard line at any form of violence, warning that deputies would respond with lethal force if necessary.
Ivey also said that anyone blocking roads, resisting arrest or fleeing from deputies would be jailed.
He added that spitting on or striking an officer would result in both hospitalization and incarceration, possibly involving K-9 units.
Meanwhile in Florida, the Sheriff of Brevard County is saying they’re gonna straight up murder protestors “graveyard dead”…..totally normal Florida stuff smh pic.twitter.com/PbNLmMDVkP
— Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) June 12, 2025
Day of Protest Planned Amid “No Kings” campaign
The comments, delivered amid rising tensions following unrest in Los Angeles and other cities, drew sharp backlash from civil rights advocates and political observers.
Critics say the rhetoric could inflame tensions and erode public trust in law enforcement.
Protests in Florida have ramped up in recent days, mirroring a national wave of dissent over immigration raids and the broader political climate. Demonstrators have taken to the streets in cities like Pensacola, where hundreds marched through downtown chanting and holding signs.
A major day of protest is scheduled for Saturday across South Florida, stretching from the Keys to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach County as part of the “No Kings” campaign, which opposes authoritarianism and militarized governance.
The “No Kings” movement coincides with a $100 million military parade in Washington, D.C., organized by the Trump administration.
There are THOUSANDS of protests planned for June 14th all over the country to send a message to Donald Trump that no one wants his birthday military parade in DC that will cost taxpayers millions. #NoKingsProtest
You can find a location here: https://t.co/0QtOiDx80x pic.twitter.com/nRQTXeANEC
— Amee Vanderpool (@girlsreallyrule) June 10, 2025
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