California Governor Gavin Newsom has responded defiantly to threats of arrest from Trump administration officials amid the continuing clashes between law enforcement and protesters over immigration raids in Los Angeles. Tom Homan, Trump’s “border czar,” warned that federal immigration operations would persist in the city, stating that anyone obstructing law enforcement—including Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass—could face felony charges. Although he noted that neither official had crossed any lines yet, Homan’s threats raised tensions.
In an MSNBC interview, Newsom challenged Homan, suggesting he should go ahead with an arrest if he truly meant it. He dismissed Homan’s remarks as empty bravado, calling it “exhausting.” Mayor Bass also criticized Homan’s guidance, asserting it was unnecessary and emphasizing her focus on managing the city rather than escalating conflict with the federal government.
Trump supported Homan’s warnings, indicating that “officials who stand in the way of law and order” would face legal consequences. However, Newsom revealed that in a recent conversation with Trump, the issue of protests or the deployment of National Guard troops did not arise. Both Newsom and Bass have been vocal opponents of the federalized 2,000 National Guard troops, arguing that their presence would further escalate tension in an already volatile environment.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Newsom requested the return of the National Guard to state control, citing the importance of local authority in evaluating the need for resources in dynamic situations. The threats to arrest state and local officials have become a hallmark of Trump’s presidency, following earlier incidents involving other elected officials.
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