In the midst of an escalating legal dispute between the federal government and California, President Donald Trump suggested that his border czar, Tom Homan, should arrest Governor Gavin Newsom. Trump indicated that he believed it would be a positive action, amidst tensions over the administration’s deployment of National Guard troops to address violent protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles. The president criticized Newsom, labeling him as “grossly incompetent.” Newsom expressed shock at the call for his arrest, emphasizing that this was a troubling development for the nation. He viewed it as a dangerous move towards authoritarianism, regardless of party affiliations. Homan had previously not ruled out the possibility of arresting state and local officials who obstruct federal agents. Newsom responded defiantly to Homan’s threats on social media, prompting concerns over a potential escalation in the conflict between California and the Trump administration. While Trump has the authority to federalize California’s Guard troops, the Insurrection Act would be necessary to involve them in civilian law enforcement. Trump has not invoked this act in response to the unrest in Los Angeles. However, his directive to federalize the Guard troops extends beyond California to provide protection for ICE and DHS personnel. The administration had also requested the activation of National Guard members to support immigration enforcement under state-controlled legal authorities.
