California Governor Gavin Newsom escalated political tensions this week after his official press office published a controversial social media post targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), drawing criticism from both conservatives and moderates concerned about public safety and responsible leadership.
The post, shared on the social platform X, labeled ICE actions as “STATE. SPONSORED. TERRORISM.” It was published the same evening an ICE officer fatally shot 37-year-old Minneapolis resident Renee Good during a law-enforcement encounter on January 7.
Facing backlash, Newsom addressed the post during an episode of his podcast This Is Gavin Newsom, where he spoke with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro. Shapiro said the post “makes our politics worse,” arguing that while the incident was tragic, it did not justify language equating federal law enforcement with terrorism.
Newsom agreed with the criticism, responding that Shapiro’s concern was “fair.”
Conflicting Messages on ICE Cooperation
During the discussion, Shapiro questioned whether California’s sanctuary policies might be worsening tensions by limiting routine cooperation with ICE, forcing federal agents to make arrests in public places rather than local jails.
Newsom pushed back, saying California actually cooperates extensively with ICE in certain cases. He stated that more than 10,000 ICE transfers have occurred during his time as governor and that California works closely with ICE regarding inmates in state prisons.
He also noted that he has vetoed legislation from Democratic lawmakers that would have restricted the state’s ability to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
Despite the rhetoric from his press office, Newsom said he does not support abolishing ICE — a position some progressive Democrats have openly endorsed.
Attacks on the Trump Administration Intensify
Following the shooting, Newsom publicly called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign. Noem had stated that the individual involved attempted to run over an ICE officer with her vehicle — a claim defended by the Trump administration.
“Kristi Noem should resign — before more Americans are killed,” Newsom’s press office posted. “She needs to be held to account.”
Another message from the governor’s office accused President Trump of deploying a “private police force,” while urging protesters to remain peaceful and avoid escalation.
California Leaders Push Back on Federal Enforcement
Several Democratic leaders across California echoed Newsom’s concerns.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie said he previously urged President Trump to reduce federal immigration enforcement activity in the city, citing declining crime rates and strong local policing.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also criticized reported ICE operations in the city, calling them “particularly troubling.” She warned against any discussion of invoking the Insurrection Act, arguing that military involvement would increase fear and instability.
Trump Responds — Then Walks It Back
President Trump initially warned he could invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota if state and local officials failed to prevent violent agitators from targeting ICE officers during protests. He later clarified that there was no immediate need to invoke the law.
Political Consequences Mount
Critics argue Newsom’s repeated use of inflammatory rhetoric risks undermining federal law enforcement while deepening national divisions over immigration and public safety.
For many older Americans, border security and respect for law enforcement remain top priorities — and Newsom’s comments may reinforce concerns about Democratic leadership in states like California.
As President Trump continues to emphasize law and order, the political fallout from Newsom’s remarks may only strengthen conservative arguments heading into the next election cycle.