California Governor Escalates Showdown With Trump Over Border Enforcement and Public Safety
Tensions exploded Sunday night as California Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom challenged federal immigration officials to arrest him after President Donald Trump authorized the National Guard to restore order in Los Angeles.
The city has been rocked by violent demonstrations following renewed efforts by federal immigration authorities to crack down on illegal immigration. President Trump responded by deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to assist local law enforcement as lawlessness gripped the streets.
But rather than support public safety, Newsom doubled down. In an MSNBC interview, he declared the deployment “unlawful” and announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing the president of “creating the conditions” that led to the unrest.
“These are the acts of a dictator, not a president,” Newsom posted on X, formerly Twitter, as violence and property damage continued across the city.
Trump’s Border Czar Responds: No One Is Above the Law
Tom Homan, Trump’s top immigration advisor and former ICE Director, pushed back hard—warning that anyone obstructing federal immigration enforcement could face arrest, including Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
“If you stand in the way of enforcing federal immigration law, you will be held accountable,” Homan said. “No one is above the law.”
Newsom responded with defiance. “He knows where to find me,” the governor sneered. “Tom, arrest me. Let’s go.”
Mayor Distances Herself from Newsom’s Rhetoric
While Mayor Karen Bass voiced opposition to the National Guard deployment, she backed away from Newsom’s confrontational stance.
“I’m not getting into a fight with the federal government,” Bass told NBC News. “That comment [from Homan] made no sense, and I already spoke to him. He knows I’m focused on protecting this city.”
L.A. Spirals Into Chaos as Police Overwhelmed
Law enforcement officials confirmed that violent protests have spiraled out of control. The LAPD made 10 arrests on Sunday and 29 the night before. Police Chief Jim McDonnell admitted the situation is deteriorating rapidly.
Asked if National Guard assistance was necessary, McDonnell replied, “We’re not jumping there yet—but based on tonight’s violence, we need to reassess.”
President Trump, never one to sit on the sidelines, weighed in via Truth Social:
“He should, right now!!! Don’t let these thugs get away with this. Make America great again!!!”
White House Defends Federal Action
The White House issued a statement defending the president’s order, citing the widespread violence:
“Everyone saw the chaos, violence, and lawlessness. The president is acting to restore law and order where state leaders have failed.”