Newsom blasts deployment of National Guard to LA as ‘purposefully inflammatory’

Newsom blasts deployment of National Guard to LA as ‘purposefully inflammatory’

California Governor Gavin Newsom has strongly condemned President Donald Trump's decision to deploy thousands of National Guard troops to Los Angeles County to quell pro-immigrant demonstrations. Newsom's statement comes after Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, announced that the administration planned to send 2,000 National Guard soldiers to the area.

Newsom's criticism was echoed by Rep. Nanette Barragán, who represents Paramount, where the protests and clashes took place. Barragán expressed her displeasure at having CBP agents in her district, stating, "ICE has brought their terror tactics and masked agents to #Paramount this morning -- in my district."

The deployment decision, made without Newsom's signature, is seen as an attempt by the federal government to assert control over the situation. Newsom argued that local authorities are capable of handling the situation and that the deployment is unnecessary. He also noted that the National Guard has been serving Los Angeles admirably during recovery efforts and that this deployment is not the right mission.

The move by the Trump administration comes amidst a wave of high-profile immigration raids and protests across the nation. According to internal government data, ICE arrests during Trump's second term have already surpassed 100,000 this week, including over 2,000 arrests on both Tuesday and Wednesday. This marks a significant increase from the daily average of approximately 660 arrests during the first 100 days of the Trump administration.

The Department of Homeland Security has blamed California Democrats, including Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, for contributing to the violence. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem warned protesters that any violence against officers would be prosecuted, stating, "You will not stop us or slow us down."

The situation in Los Angeles is part of a larger trend of increased federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. The administration has pledged to continue ramping up arrests and has threatened to cut off federal funding to California over immigration, transgender issues, and allegations of antisemitism on college campuses.

The deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles County is expected to escalate tensions and potentially erode public trust in both local and federal authorities. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing protests and clashes between federal law enforcement and demonstrators.

References:
[1] https://www.yahoo.com/news/newsom-blasts-deployment-national-guard-010009414.html
[2] https://www.foxla.com/news/trump-send-national-guard-la-county-amid-anti-ice-protests-fox-news-reports
[3] https://www.threads.com/@cagovernor/post/DKnon9ISXF_/the-federal-government-is-moving-to-take-over-the-california-national-guard-and-
[4] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-07/dhs-blames-california-democrats-as-ice-protests-enter-second-day