President Donald Trump has suggested that California Governor Gavin Newsom should be arrested if he obstructs ICE operations following riots in Los Angeles. During a brief exchange with reporters at the White House, Trump was asked about Border Czar Tom Homan’s response to Newsom’s dare to arrest him. Trump responded by saying he would arrest Newsom if he obstructed ICE, calling it a ‘great thing’ and criticizing Newsom for his handling of the situation. Trump called Newsom ‘grossly incompetent’ and claimed that the rioters are ‘professional agitators’ who should be in jail.
Newsom swiftly responded to Trump’s comments on social media, condemning the remarks as a dangerous step toward authoritarianism. In a post on his Twitter account, Newsom wrote, ‘The President of the United States just called for the arrest of a sitting Governor. This is a day I hoped I would never see in America. I don’t care if you’re a Democrat or a Republican this is a line we cannot cross as a nation — this is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism.’ This response from Newsom highlighted the growing tension between the two political figures.
Homan, the Border Czar, has previously stated that no one is above the law, but there has been no official indication of intending to arrest Newsom for any specific crime. Homan addressed the situation on ‘Fox & Friends,’ stating that the Trump administration is not tolerant of actions that impede law enforcement during the immigration raids in Los Angeles. He emphasized that while people have the right to protest, they must not cross the line by committing crimes such as violence against ICE agents or property damage.
Meanwhile, Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to quell the unrest. The deployment has been met with discontent from Democratic officials, who view it as an overreach and a sign of increasing tension. The ongoing situation in Los Angeles has raised concerns about the potential for further violence and the impact of political rhetoric on public safety and law enforcement efforts.
This incident has sparked debates about the limits of political discourse and the responsibilities of state officials in the face of civil unrest. The tension between Trump and Newsom highlights the broader ideological divide in American politics, with differing views on the role of government in maintaining public order and handling immigration issues.