Newsom's Office Sparks Controversy by Comparing LA Riots Confrontation with Federal Agents to Sports Celebrations

As riots continued to roil Los Angeles over the weekend, California Governor Gavin Newsom's office sought to downplay concerns, drawing a controversial comparison between the unrest and notorious sports celebrations in Philadelphia. Izzy Gardon, the governor’s communications director, remarked, “LA riots? Have these geniuses ever seen what happens when the Eagles win a playoff game?” In Philadelphia, city officials routinely prepare for mass gatherings that can spiral into property damage and chaos following victories by local sports teams—sometimes leading to car fires and vandalism as revelers take to the streets, prompting an increased police presence and unique measures such as greasing light poles to keep crowds at bay.

This attempt at minimizing the gravity of the situation was met with swift backlash from both state Republicans and federal officials. Critics, including prominent California Republicans, accused Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of failing to effectively address the violent outbreaks and of fostering an environment of lawlessness through their support of sanctuary policies and opposition to federal immigration enforcement. “Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass have a real habit of letting Los Angeles burn,” charged Congressman Darell Issa, who also criticized Bass for what he characterized as misplaced priorities in city leadership.

Federal officials joined in the condemnation, identifying rhetoric from California’s Democratic leaders as a contributing factor in the escalation of violence against ICE agents and other law enforcement personnel. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called for an end to what she described as “violent targeting of law enforcement,” warning: “The violent rhetoric of these sanctuary politicians is beyond the pale. This violence against ICE must end.” James Woods, a Hollywood actor and vocal critic, called the governor “unqualified” and cited his support for “illegal alien insurrectionists” as part of a broader indictment of the administration’s approach.

While pressure mounted, Governor Newsom maintained his stance, condemning the federal government’s recent immigration sweeps as “chaotic and reckless.” His administration reiterated its position in response to criticism from the White House, arguing that “indiscriminate sweeps are terrifying entire communities and detaining hardworking, tax-paying Californians.” Newsom’s office urged a halt to what it termed “cruel escalation,” asserting that such actions undermine public safety and community trust.

The deteriorating situation in Los Angeles has been marked by incidents in which violent protesters confronted federal officers, with reports of objects like rocks being thrown at immigration officials. U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael W. Banks shared images of injuries suffered by law enforcement during these confrontations, underscoring the risks officers face amid the turmoil.

In response to the sustained disorder, former President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guardsmen to Paramount, California, declaring the federal government’s readiness to intervene if local authorities cannot control the violence. “If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs...the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!” Trump declared via social media.

The ongoing unrest highlights deep divisions between state and federal officials over immigration enforcement and public safety, with each side blaming the other for the chaos unfolding on LA’s streets. As tensions rise, the focus remains on how California’s leaders and federal authorities will respond to calls for restoring order while navigating the contentious debate over immigration policy and local law enforcement autonomy.