California Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly condemned President Donald Trump’s recent decision to mobilize hundreds of active-duty Marines to Los Angeles, asserting that it exacerbates the ongoing chaos surrounding immigration enforcement protests in the city.
In an interview with NPR, Newsom stated, “He’s sowing more division. He’s inciting just the same and more fear, more anxiety, more likelihood that people are going to be hurt.”
The deployment, which includes 700 active-duty Marines and an additional 2,000 National Guard troops, was announced by Trump to address what he described as violent protests threatening federal immigration facilities and properties.
Appearing on Truth Social, Trump warned that Los Angeles would be “completely obliterated” without his intervention.
However, Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta have called the military move an unnecessary escalation and have filed a lawsuit in federal court asserting that Trump’s actions violate a federal statute, as he did not seek the governor’s consent before deploying the troops.
On Tuesday, Newsom requested a federal judge to issue a temporary restraining order to prevent the troops from patrolling the streets.
In his conversations with media, Newsom emphasized that the mobilization of troops was carried out without any communication or approval from his office.
“It’s an illegal act. It’s immoral,” Newsom expressed. “It’s also unconstitutional, and the mobilization order that was sent to the guard has a statute that requires that it shall be issued through the governors of the states.”
Bonta reiterated this sentiment, highlighting that deploying the National Guard distracts from vital state duties like fighting wildfires and drug enforcement operations.
He expressed concern that bringing in Marines would further inflame tensions, instead of alleviating the situation.
Newsom also addressed the broader unrest in Los Angeles, where demonstrators have been protesting ICE immigration raids that escalated recently.
In response to queries about federal law enforcement’s enforcement actions, Newsom affirmed California’s position: state law enforcement would not interfere with federal operations. “We do not impede upon federal authority to enforce federal law with federal resources, period, full stop,” he said.
He added that while these federal agents have a lawful right to operate with warrants, actions taken against demonstrators are not justified in the current context.
The governor described the ongoing demonstrations as unprecedented, stating that he has met with local leaders and activists acknowledging this unique moment in civil disobedience.
Amid the tensions, Newsom has pushed back against threats of arrest from federal officials such as Tom Homan, who warned of legal consequences for those obstructing ICE operations.
In a pointed response to President Trump’s threats to arrest him, Newsom stated, “It just shows the theater of the absurd. All this is, is weakness masquerading as strength.” He continued, stating he never expected to hear threats of arrest from a sitting president against a governor.
“If he wants to arrest me, let’s dispense with the threats. If he wants to do it, let’s just get it done,” Newsom declared, calling for a cessation of fear-inducing actions that have left children and families anxious about public gatherings and activities in Los Angeles.
As protests continue across the nation, Newsom has offered advice to fellow state and local leaders. He warned that this situation reflects patterns noticed during the January 6 insurrection, where anxiety and fear were stoked by leaders instead of managed.
He cautioned that, similar to past events, President Trump is creating a volatile atmosphere where the democratic process is compromised.
Newsom’s message to governors of all political affiliations was striking: this crisis is a precursor of what could become commonplace. “I pray for only one thing, and that’s peace — peaceful protests,” he said.
He directed a more focused warning to those intent on escalating the chaos, advising that such actions play into Trump’s narrative.
The governor underscored the importance of maintaining order and upholding the rights to peaceful assembly.
In summarizing his position, Newsom asserted, “Donald Trump has created this mess, and it will be governors across this country who will have to clean it up.”
Throughout the interview, it was clear Newsom remains steadfast in his resolve to protect the rights and safety of California’s residents while asserting state authority in response to federal actions he deems unlawful.
As tensions remain high, the situation illustrates the ongoing struggle between state and federal authorities in the country surrounding contentious immigration enforcement policies and the rights of citizens to protest against them.
image source from：https://www.npr.org/2025/06/09/nx-s1-5428342/per-california-gov-newsom-trump-order-to-send-in-guard-affects-all-states
