Amid growing tensions in Los Angeles over immigration enforcement, Border Czar Tom Homan has warned California officials they could face arrest and prosecution if they interfere with federal operations, following President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Here’s what’s unfolding in the situation, and the reactions from key leaders.
The Deployment of National Guard Troops
President Trump ordered at least 2,000 National Guard members to assist ICE in dealing with ongoing protests against immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. The protests, which began after ICE raids across Los Angeles County, have escalated into violent confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement.
Despite state and city leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, saying they did not request federal help, the National Guard troops were deployed to support ICE officers and prevent further violence.
Homan, the former ICE Director and current border czar, defended the president’s decision. He explained that the National Guard’s presence was necessary to protect ICE officers and the broader community, warning that the rhetoric against ICE agents had reached such a high level that it was only a matter of time before someone was seriously injured. He emphasized that the federal forces would continue their mission, regardless of local opposition.
California Leaders Push Back
California officials have strongly criticized Trump’s decision to send in National Guard troops, accusing him of trying to escalate tensions. Governor Gavin Newsom, in a post on the social platform X, claimed the federal government was “taking over the California National Guard” for the sake of creating a spectacle.
He urged Californians to remain peaceful and avoid violence, warning not to give the federal government the reaction they wanted.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed Newsom’s concerns, saying that Trump’s actions would only heighten the already volatile situation. Both leaders noted that Trump’s praise for the National Guard’s performance came before the troops had even arrived, which they argued showed the administration’s intention to create more chaos.
Tom Homan’s Threats of Prosecution
In response to the criticisms from Newsom and Bass, Tom Homan warned that California officials could face legal consequences if they “cross the line.” Homan reiterated that it was a felony to knowingly conceal or harbor an undocumented immigrant and that impeding law enforcement operations could lead to prosecution.
He specifically mentioned that he didn’t believe Mayor Bass had crossed the line yet, but he was prepared to ask the Department of Justice to intervene if necessary.
Homan’s comments have stirred up controversy, with some viewing them as an overreach and a direct challenge to the authority of local government officials. The threat to prosecute those who obstruct immigration enforcement has led to heated exchanges between Homan and California officials.
Rhetoric and Tensions Escalate
The public feud between Homan and California leaders has added fuel to the already tense situation in Los Angeles. With protests intensifying and National Guard troops now in place, the city is on edge.
Homan’s harsh criticism of Governor Newsom, calling him “an embarrassment for the state,” further deepened the divide between federal and state authorities. He claimed that Newsom’s policies were allowing “criminal aliens” to roam freely in California, contributing to the ongoing unrest.
Newsom, in turn, has accused the Trump administration of using the crisis for political gain, warning against further violence and urging his residents to remain calm and peaceful. Mayor Bass also emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution and called on demonstrators to avoid violence, even as federal forces mobilized in the city.
The situation in Los Angeles remains tense, with both sides preparing for further confrontations. Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops has raised significant concerns about the future of local control in the state and the escalation of the protests.
While Homan and Trump’s administration insist that federal intervention is necessary for safety and order, California leaders maintain that it will only make matters worse.
As tensions rise, the outcome of this confrontation will have major implications not just for Los Angeles but for the broader relationship between federal and state authorities in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement.