President Donald Trump's Justice Department posted a lengthy manifesto to X on Thursday that, on the surface, was just a statement condemning violence against law enforcement, but in context appeared to be a warning shot at Democratic politicians who dare to publicly oppose the MAGA agenda on immigration.

"Anyone who places a bounty — figurative or real — on the head of a federal officer, whether directed by gang leaders or by California state or local officials, will be held accountable," said the post. "The Department of Justice will not tolerate threats, intimidation, or interference with federal officers. Anyone who assaults, obstructs, or directs others to impede a federal officer carrying out the laws of the United States is committing a serious federal crime and will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

"To California’s elected leaders: do not weaponize your police forces for politics," the post continued. "Ordering or directing state or local officers to act against federal agents risks violating federal law and endangering public safety. Focus your resources where they belong—on the violent crime, fentanyl, and gang activity plaguing California’s streets. Let there be no mistake: federal law will be enforced; federal authority will be upheld. This Department of Justice is committed to Making America Safe Again.”

While the post was not singling out anything specific, it comes after California officials passed legislation requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to stop wearing masks and show identification, as nearly all other police agencies do.

Legal experts expressed contempt for the DOJ's perceived threat.

"What on Orwell’s green earth is a 'figurative' bounty?" wrote All Rise News' Adam Klasfeld.

"Why do you use the passive voice when you talk about the law 'be[ing] enforced'?" wrote national security analyst Marcy "emptywheel" Wheeler. "You both refuse to do so, allowing the kidnapping & assault of American citizens. (Indeed, Todd ordered the kidnapping of Newark's Mayor.) Will you both step down so someone competent will uphold the law?"