Newsom says Los Angeles rioters will be prosecuted, slams Trump for ‘traumatizing our communities’
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, delivered a strong message on Tuesday, stating that anti-ICE protesters engaging in violence will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. At the same time, he criticized President Donald Trump for what he described as a “brazen abuse of power” in deploying troops to respond to demonstrations.
During a news address, Newsom revealed that 220 individuals have already been arrested in connection with the Los Angeles riots, with officials reviewing footage to build additional cases. He also expressed gratitude towards those who protested peacefully against deportations and ICE raids on migrant workers at local businesses.
Newsom accused President Trump of prioritizing “escalation,” “more force,” and “theatrics over public safety,” stating that the president’s actions were not in line with peaceful assembly. The governor highlighted that Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops and Marines in Los Angeles threatens state sovereignty, wastes resources, and exacerbates the situation.
“These are men and women trained for foreign combat, not domestic law enforcement. We honor their service and bravery, but we do not want our streets militarized by our own armed forces,” Newsom emphasized. He criticized the arrest of individuals such as dishwashers, gardeners, day laborers, and seamstresses, labeling it as “weakness masquerading as strength.”
In response to the federal deployment of National Guard troops, Newsom filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration and sought an emergency court order to halt the use of the military for law enforcement activities in Los Angeles. He warned against the consequences of allowing individuals to be detained without a warrant based on suspicion or skin color, emphasizing the need to protect communities.
The governor also addressed Trump’s threats and attacks, including border czar Tom Homan’s suggestion to arrest him for alleged immigration interference. Newsom challenged Homan to follow through on the threat, but the former eventually backed down, admitting that there was no valid reason for the governor’s arrest.
Newsom concluded his remarks by cautioning that Trump’s actions pose a threat to state sovereignty and democracy not only in California but across the nation. He urged individuals to exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully and resist being complicit in the president’s agenda.
As the situation unfolds, Newsom’s firm stance against violence and his defense of democratic principles serve as a beacon of hope amidst turbulent times. The governor’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all individuals sets a powerful example for leaders across the country to follow.
