California Governor Gavin Newsom took to social media on Thursday to challenge a federal raid targeting a cannabis farm in Southern California. The situation became tense when tear gas was deployed, leading to clashes with protesters.
In a post, Newsom remarked, “Trump calls me a ‘news come’, but he’s a real scum.” This comment came in response to footage from local news showing protesters and undocumented minors fleeing the gas used by officials in Camarillo, California.
The Trump administration quickly responded to Newsom’s remarks, questioning the presence of minors in marijuana facilities. The Department of Homeland Security posed the question on social media, highlighting the controversy.
Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott stated that ten undocumented minors were located at the farm and announced an investigation into potential child labor violations.
“This is Newsom’s California,” Scott commented on his social media, indicating his stance on the issue.
The cannabis company involved stated that it complied with a federal search warrant and denied employing minors, asserting that it has never intentionally breached employment regulations.
Protests erupted in Camarillo, where hundreds gathered and clashed with law enforcement, which was reportedly supported by National Guard members.
This incident represents the latest in a series of immigration-related confrontations in California, a focal point in the Trump administration’s broader immigration policies.
Earlier in the week, federal immigration forces displayed significant presence in Los Angeles, which was met with condemnation from Mayor Karen Bass, labeling the actions “outrageous.”
In recent weeks, Newsom has criticized the Trump administration as he embarks on a new podcast series, drawing attention from various political spectrums.
According to Politico, Newsom’s critical remarks toward Trump have generated three times more engagement on social media than his usual posts.
There’s growing speculation about Newsom’s potential presidential ambitions for 2028; he recently visited South Carolina, an important state in the Democratic primary process, where he spoke against Trump without heavily focusing on immigration issues.
Newsom also engaged with right-wing accounts on social media, which led to additional tension, particularly after he shared video footage suggesting that protesters in Camarillo were firing at federal troops.
In response to violence against law enforcement, he stated, “Of course I condemn the attack on law enforcement,” referencing the seriousness of the situation while drawing analogies to the January 6 events.
