In a recent interview with NBC News, Tom Homan, a key figure in President Trump’s border policy, suggested that California officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, could face arrest if they obstruct U.S. immigration enforcement efforts.
Homan pointed out that the law applies to everyone equally, asserting that soldiers from the National Guard are gearing up for deployment in response to unrest in Los Angeles. He emphasized that aiding and concealing undocumented immigrants is a serious offense, and interfering with law enforcement is similarly punishable.
“Governor Newsom is a disgrace for this state,” Homan remarked, criticizing him for backing sanctuary cities and related legislation. He argued that there should be no protection for those committing crimes if public safety is genuinely a priority.
Newsom fired back on social media, challenging Homan with a bold, “Come and take me, tough guy.”
Following the unrest, Newsom admitted during an MSNBC appearance that the situation had overwhelmed the Los Angeles Police Chief. There were incidents of violence, including protestors throwing rocks at California Highway Patrol officers in downtown Los Angeles.
“He’s just adding fuel to the fire,” Newsom said, suggesting that instead of targeting extremists, Homan and Trump were misplacing the blame. He expressed that the chaos witnessed on television was largely influenced by Trump’s actions.
In a follow-up statement, Trump indicated that his administration took the lead in worsening the situation when he declared the National Guard’s involvement. He stated that officials blocking law enforcement could indeed face criminal charges.
Newsom continued his rebuttal, labeling the portrayal of undocumented migrants as merely “poor people trying to live” a gross mischaracterization of the situation. He further invited Homan to act against him if he felt so strongly, showing no apprehension about the potential consequences.
The White House reiterated that arrests would be justified only if law enforcement’s duties were obstructed. Homan advised Newsom to focus on preventing the violent protests plaguing Los Angeles instead of appealing to the media for headlines.
As tensions flare, Trump has also reminded that law and order must be maintained, insinuating that resistance could lead to serious legal repercussions for officials involved.
