Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, found himself in the center of a political firestorm as California Governor Gavin Newsom challenged him to ‘arrest me’ during a heated exchange over the ongoing anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles. The incident followed ICE’s controversial raids in the city, which sparked widespread protests and, in some cases, violent confrontations with law enforcement. Homan, representing the Trump administration, clarified that while the governor’s remarks were provocative, there was no plan to arrest Newsom, emphasizing that ‘no one’s above the law’ in principle, but the discussion was strictly about the conduct of protesters who crossed legal boundaries.
The governor’s challenge, delivered during an interview with MSNBC, was a direct response to Homan’s earlier warning that Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass could face federal charges for obstructing immigration operations. ‘He’s a tough guy, why doesn’t he do that [arrest me]? He knows where to find me,’ Newsom remarked, clearly attempting to provoke a reaction from Homan. This exchange came amid the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to the city by President Donald Trump, a move that has drawn criticism from Democratic officials, who argue that it escalates tensions rather than de-escalating them.
Homan, during an interview with ‘Fox & Friends,’ further explained that his comments were not a threat but a clarification of the administration’s stance on law enforcement. He pointed out that while protests are protected under the First Amendment, the line was drawn when ‘hands on an ICE officer,’ destruction of property, or ‘knowingly harboring an illegal alien’ occurred. ‘That’s a crime, and the Trump administration is not going to tolerate it,’ he stated. Homan’s comments were a clear rebuke of the state’s handling of the situation, asserting that California’s response to the escalating violence was too slow and inadequate.
The protests, which have seen violent confrontations between protesters and ICE agents, are part of a broader conflict between federal immigration enforcement and local jurisdictions that have previously advocated for sanctuary policies. Los Angeles, which officially designated itself a sanctuary city in November, has faced criticism from the Trump administration for its resistance to deportation efforts. The current situation has drawn national attention, with federal officials condemning the rhetoric from Democratic leaders, who they claim has contributed to the violence and instability in the city.
The tensions highlight the deep divide between federal and state authorities on immigration policy, with the Trump administration’s approach being seen as more aggressive and enforcement-focused, while Democratic leaders advocate for a more humane and community-based approach. As the situation in Los Angeles continues to escalate, the response from both levels of government will likely shape the trajectory of U.S. immigration policy in the coming months, with potential repercussions for national security, public order, and the relationship between federal and state law enforcement.