Trump Responds Boldly to Newsom's Challenge: 'I Would' Arrest Homan
Trump threatens arrest of Gov. Newsom over ICE protests, labels Los Angeles demonstrators as "professional agitators" to be jailed.
President Donald Trump raised tensions with California leadership on Monday, suggesting he would support the arrest of Governor Gavin Newsom if the state continued to obstruct federal immigration enforcement operations during ongoing riots in Los Angeles.
After landing outside the White House, the president addressed reporters’ questions regarding the escalating conflict between state and federal authorities. When asked by a reporter whether he believed Border Czar Tom Homan should take up Governor Newsom's apparent dare to arrest him, Trump replied, “I would do it if I were Tom... He’s done a terrible job. I like Gavin Newsom, he’s a nice guy, but he’s grossly incompetent. Everybody knows.”
The confrontation comes as anti-ICE protests intensified in Los Angeles, prompting the deployment of approximately 2,000 National Guard troops to maintain order. Crowds clashed with law enforcement over the weekend, resulting in damaged property, including torched vehicles and American flags. The situation has posed a serious test for both local and federal officials, as protesters voiced strong opposition to immigration raids ordered by the Trump administration.
Trump emphasized his view that many of those participating in the unrest are not simply concerned citizens but rather “professional agitators,” declaring, “The people that are causing the problem are professional agitators. They're insurrectionists. They're bad people. They should be in jail.” This rhetoric further fueled the political rift, drawing immediate and forceful condemnation from California's governor.
Responding via social media, Newsom wrote, “The President of the United States just called for the arrest of a sitting Governor. This is a day I hoped I would never see in America. I don’t care if you’re a Democrat or a Republican—this is a line we cannot cross as a nation. This is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism.” His statement echoed deep concerns among Democratic officials about possible federal encroachment on state sovereignty and civil liberties.
Tom Homan, the administration’s Border Czar, appeared on national television to clarify his position, stating, “No one’s above the law. If they cross the line and commit a crime, absolutely they can [be arrested],” but indicated there had not been any serious discussion of detaining Newsom himself. Homan insisted that actions such as physically assaulting ICE officers, destroying property, or knowingly harboring undocumented immigrants would not be tolerated and would be prosecuted when appropriate.
Tensions have run high throughout California amid the administration’s stepped-up immigration activity. Protests in Los Angeles over the weekend saw confrontations between demonstrators and officers, with some individuals reportedly throwing projectiles at law enforcement and worsening the city’s unrest. Trump’s decision to bring in the National Guard was met with criticism from various state leaders, while supporters argued it was necessary to restore calm and ensure the rule of law.
As the standoff continues, the political and legal stakes are rising for both state and federal officials. The nation’s eyes remain fixed on California, where the limits of governmental authority—and the rights of those protesting—are once again being tested in real time.
