California Governor Gavin Newsom is standing firm against threats of arrest from federal officials amid rising tensions over immigration raids in Los Angeles. Trump administration “border czar” Tom Homan warned that federal immigration operations would continue despite backlash from local leaders, threatening to arrest anyone, including Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who obstructs these efforts. Homan emphasized that offenses such as harboring illegal aliens or impeding law enforcement would be pursued as felonies.
In response, Newsom expressed skepticism about Homan’s threats, challenging him to follow through with an arrest, labeling the threats as “exhausting.” Mayor Bass also dismissed Homan’s comments, suggesting they were unnecessary and counterproductive—she emphasized her priority was not to engage in conflict with the federal government.
President Trump reinforced Homan’s stance, warning that officials obstructing law enforcement would face legal consequences. However, Newsom conveyed during a conversation with Trump that the President did not express concern over managing protests or federalizing National Guard troops, despite the ongoing unrest.
Both Newsom and Bass have criticized the decision to deploy around 2,000 National Guard troops, believing this action would heighten tensions rather than alleviate them. In a formal request to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Newsom urged the rescinding of federal troop deployment, asserting that local authorities are best suited to handle such dynamic situations.
These threats of arrest resonate within a broader pattern seen during Trump’s presidency, particularly following the controversial arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka during a separate immigration protest, which saw charges later dropped. The situation continues to evolve in response to the escalating protests in Los Angeles.
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