Tom Homan, a key figure in border enforcement, discussed potential arrests during immigration protests involving California Governor Gavin Newsom. This conversation coincided with President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and Marines to the city.
Homan clarified, “There’s no intention to arrest Governor Newsom. My comments may have been taken out of context; however, if he obstructs ICE operations by harboring an undocumented person, that’s against the law.”
He mentioned a possibility of the Attorney General pursuing charges if such situations arise. “My words got misinterpreted, but that’s what it is,” he noted.
In response, Newsom publicly condemned Trump’s troop deployment and stated he plans to sue the administration.
Earlier, Trump seemed to endorse Homan’s idea of arresting Newsom when he remarked, “If I were Tom, I’d do that.” Newsom later expressed his dismay on social media, stating, “This is the day I hoped would never come in America.”
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a Democrat or a Republican; this represents a dangerous line we shouldn’t cross as a nation. It feels like a step toward authoritarianism,” he added.
Since taking office, Trump and Newsom have frequently clashed, particularly regarding federal aid for local wildfires and the administration’s crackdown on so-called “sanctuary cities.”
On another note, Homan addressed claims regarding an ICE operation supposedly intended to separate families, calling them “false.” He praised Trump’s decision to call in the National Guard after violence erupted in Los Angeles.
This comes amid ongoing tensions after Rep. Lamonica McIver from New Jersey visited an ICE facility under investigation. Federal authorities have accused local officials of attacking ICE personnel, which the lawmakers have denied.
Moreover, interim U.S. attorneys briefly charged Newark Mayor Ras Baraka with misdemeanor trespassing related to a detention facility but later rescinded the charge.
