California Governor Gavin Newsom faced scrutiny on Wednesday for his statements against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the laws aimed at ensuring law enforcement doesn’t conceal their identities during operations.
Just hours before a sniper opened fire at the Dallas ICE facility, resulting in at least two fatalities and leaving behind ammunition marked with anti-ICE messages, Newsom appeared with President Donald Trump on CBS’s “Late Show.” They discussed how they managed a mass deportation effort.
Newsom was questioned about whether his comments and anti-ICE stance incited violence against homeland security agents. His spokesperson, Diana Croft Perayo, stated, “Violence is by no means an answer, and we explicitly condemn what happened in Texas this morning.”
She emphasized that their thoughts are with “the victims and their families,” adding that understanding the situation is crucial. Newsom has been consistent in denouncing violence against law enforcement, contrasting himself with Trump, whom he claimed offered amnesty to those targeting law enforcement.
Earlier on Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance remarked, “If your rhetoric encourages violence… you can go straight to hell.”
In light of the Dallas shootings, Republican figures like Senator John Cornyn and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries also urged an end to divisive rhetoric.
Governor Newsom criticized the Trump administration’s approach, labeling it as federal overreach in its expansive arrests of Californians, while also advocating for free speech and the right to criticize the government.
He’s been criticized by conservatives for previously instituting a public mask mandate during the pandemic, recently opting against wearing masks in public spaces.
On CBS, Newsom highlighted concerns about unmarked cars and the lack of accountability in policing, saying, “People are disappearing. No due process. Zero monitoring.” He also called out the practice of law enforcement masking their identities, questioning, “What are you afraid of?”
His previous criticism of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security came following an immigrant raid in Los Angeles earlier this summer. Issues surrounding immigration continue to create tension, with some arguing that recent actions and rhetoric from Democrats could incite violence against agents.
