Tensions Rise as California Governor Newsom Defies Federal Actions on Immigration Raids

In an interview with NBC News' Jacob Soboroff on June 8, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed strong opposition to federal law enforcement actions amid escalating clashes due to immigration raids in Los Angeles. As tensions grew between anti-ICE protesters and federal officials enforcing the stricter immigration policies set by President Trump, Newsom pushed back against threats of arrest, indicating that local officials would not succumb to intimidation.

Tom Homan, referred to by Trump as the "border czar," delivered warnings that immigration operations would persist despite the ongoing protests, even threatening possible arrests for those obstructing these efforts, including Newsom himself. In response to Homan's remarks, Newsom dared him to follow through with the threats, criticizing such confrontational rhetoric as unnecessarily dramatic.

Newsom expressed his views on social media, asserting that local law enforcement was sufficient and that the federal troop deployment was aimed at creating chaos rather than solving issues. He emphasized the negative impact of Trump's actions on the state's safety and governance.

In addition, Newsom announced intentions to challenge the Trump administration legally, arguing that deploying National Guard troops without consulting the state's governor is both unconstitutional and unethical. He articulated these points during his MSNBC interview and by communicating directly with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, calling for the withdrawal of troops from Los Angeles to restore state authority.