ICE Takes Action After Canadian Lefty Accused Of Slapping American Teen Over Trump Pants

A 33-year-old woman allegedly slaps a teenager because the kid was wearing Trump pants on a boardwalk in New Jersey. Over the Fourth of July weekend, no less. If the accusation holds up, this isn't a political disagreement that got heated. It's assault, and the target was a minor whose only offense was picking out his own clothes.

What's striking is how unremarkable this has become. A few years ago a story like this would have been shocking. Now it barely raises an eyebrow because we've all watched the same pattern play out over and over: someone sees a hat, a flag, a pair of pants, and decides that's an invitation to put their hands on a stranger. The politics of the alleged attacker matter here only because they explain the target, not because we think every Canadian or every progressive is walking around itching to smack a teenager. Most people, whatever they vote, don't do this. But the ones who do keep picking the same side to be angry at.

Now ICE is reportedly looking at her status, and that's the part that should make people think twice before they throw a punch or a slap over a piece of clothing. Being a guest in this country, even a Canadian one from a place we like to think of as basically an extension of the neighborhood, comes with the assumption that you're not going to start putting your hands on American kids because of what's printed on their pants. If the allegations check out, deportation isn't an overreaction. It's just consequences catching up to someone who apparently didn't think there would be any.

There's a simple lesson buried in a silly-sounding boardwalk scuffle. A pair of novelty pants is not a provocation. It's just pants. Kids should be able to wear what they want to a fireworks show without getting hit for it, and adults who can't handle that shouldn't be surprised when the country they're visiting decides it doesn't need to keep hosting them.