The anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles have ignited a fierce political debate between President Trump and Governor Newsom.
Since the unrest started over the weekend, clashes have erupted between protesters and police, escalating tensions across the city.
In response, Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to restore order and support local law enforcement efforts.
Trump’s Strong Stance
President Trump has taken a firm position on the riots, criticizing the actions of protesters and accusing local leaders of failing to maintain order. In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned against disrespect toward National Guard personnel, saying, “If they spit, we will hit.” He emphasized that such behavior would not be tolerated under his administration.
Trump also defended his decision to federalize the National Guard in Los Angeles, stating that the deployment was necessary to prevent further chaos. “If we had not done so, Los Angeles would have been completely obliterated,” Trump wrote. He criticized both Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for their handling of the situation, calling them “incompetent” and accusing them of downplaying the severity of the riots.
Newsom’s Response
Governor Newsom has pushed back against Trump’s actions, accusing the president of overstepping his authority and escalating tensions. Newsom described Trump’s federalization of the National Guard as an “illegal” move and claimed it was part of a broader effort to incite chaos. “This is exactly what Donald Trump wanted,” Newsom said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “He flamed the fires and illegally acted to federalize the National Guard.”
Newsom also announced that California would file a lawsuit against the Trump administration for what he called an unconstitutional overreach. “Every governor, red or blue, should reject this outrageous overreach,” he stated. “This is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism.”
Clashes Intensify
The protests in Los Angeles initially began as demonstrations against ICE raids targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal histories. However, they quickly escalated into violent riots, with agitators smashing windows at LAPD headquarters, setting vehicles on fire, and clashing with law enforcement. Protesters were also seen burning and spitting on American flags while waving flags from other countries.
The Los Angeles Police Department declared an unlawful assembly in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday night as agitators splintered into smaller groups across the area. Officers used tear gas and flash bangs to disperse crowds blocking major streets.
National Guard Deployment
The deployment of National Guard troops has been met with mixed reactions. While Republicans have largely supported the move as necessary to restore order, Democrats have criticized it as an overreach that exacerbates tensions. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the deployment, stating that the troops were there to protect federal buildings and ensure public safety.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Newsom and other Democratic leaders of failing to maintain law and order. “Governor Newsom was too weak to protect the city,” Leavitt said. “President Trump has stepped in to maintain law and order and protect federal buildings.”
Political Fallout
The riots have become a flashpoint in the broader debate over immigration enforcement and sanctuary city policies. Republican leaders have blamed Democratic policies for creating an environment that fosters lawlessness. “Make no mistake: These agitators and failed California policies caused this chaos,” said California Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher.
On the other hand, Democrats have accused Trump of using the situation to advance a political agenda. Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized the administration’s response, calling it a “dangerous escalation” meant to provoke chaos. She described the protests as “overwhelmingly peaceful,” a characterization that has drawn sharp criticism from conservatives.
DHS Criticizes Democratic Leaders
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has condemned Democratic leaders for their rhetoric, which it claims has contributed to violence against ICE agents. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin reported a 413% increase in assaults on ICE personnel and called for an end to what she described as inflammatory statements by politicians like Newsom, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
“This violence against ICE must end,” McLaughlin said. “The brave men and women of ICE put their lives on the line every day to protect American citizens.”
Controversy Over Arrests
One focal point of the protests has been the arrest of Cuong Chanh Phan, a 49-year-old illegal immigrant from Vietnam with a violent criminal history. DHS described Phan as a “cold-blooded killer” involved in a 1994 mass shooting at a graduation party. The department criticized Newsom and Bass for opposing ICE raids targeting individuals like Phan.
“This is who Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass are trying to protect over U.S. citizens,” McLaughlin said.
Moving Forward
As the situation in Los Angeles continues to unfold, both sides remain entrenched in their positions. Governor Newsom has vowed to stand up against what he calls Trump’s authoritarian tactics, while President Trump has promised to take all necessary steps to restore order.
The riots have highlighted deep divisions over immigration policy and federal authority, with both parties using the events to bolster their respective narratives. As legal battles loom and protests persist, the political and social ramifications of this crisis are likely to resonate far beyond California.
