Newsom Challenges Trump’s Immigration Plan Amid Federal Presence
On Thursday, federal immigration agents gathered outside a venue as Governor Gavin Newsom prepared to announce his opposition to President Trump’s redistricting plan for California.
Newsom was set to speak at the National Museum of Japan and America in downtown Los Angeles, where he was joined by Greg Bovino, the head of the border patrol division overseeing California. Bovino was nearby, accompanied by an agent equipped with a helmet and firearm.
He remarked, “We’re here making Los Angeles safer because politicians won’t. We’re not leaving.” When asked about Newsom’s presence, Bovino replied, “I’m not sure where he is.”
Newsom’s office took to social media, posting about the agents outside and insisting, “Border Patrol is here at our press conference! We feel safe!”
This operation, which resulted in one arrest, coincided with a push from local officials to end immigration operations in the Los Angeles area. Recent weeks saw agents detaining several individuals at places like car washes and Home Depot.
City leaders and immigration advocates had hoped a recent federal judge’s order would hinder such actions. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on August 1 that immigration authorities could not racially profile individuals or use roving patrols targeting immigrants.
Mayor Karen Bass commented at a press conference near the museum, stating, “There’s no way this is just coincidental.” She noted the extensive media coverage surrounding the governor’s press conference addressing community concerns.
Bass reiterated that the federal agents seemed to be creating the very issues they were supposedly addressing.
In response to allegations of misinformation, Homeland Security Deputy Director Tricia McLaughlin stated, “This isn’t about Gavin Newsom; it’s about law enforcement.” She emphasized that U.S. Customs and Border Protection conducts regular patrols across Los Angeles.
During the press conference, Newsom and Democratic allies, along with representatives from Organized Labor, announced an initiative to support a voting measure aimed at redrawing California’s congressional map ahead of the mid-2026 elections, pending voter approval.
William T. Fujioka, chairman of the museum’s council, witnessed an incident where a federal agent abruptly exited an SUV right in front of the museum. Video captured agents in casual attire surrounding a man in handcuffs. An onlooker referred to the agents as “collectives,” to which Bovino responded positively.
Carlos Franco, who works with the arrested individual named Angel, mentioned that Angel was simply making a delivery when detained. Franco expressed his sadness over the incident, stating, “Angel is a family man… it’s upsetting because I rely on him for work.”
He encouraged everyone to be cautious, regardless of their immigration status.
Questions about the arrest were not initially addressed by DHS.
Fujikawa remarked that the presence of federal agents in Little Tokio echoed historical events from 1942, recalling when Japanese residents were forcibly relocated.
At 73, Fujioka reflected on the arrests, noting similar action had occurred in recent weeks targeting other immigrant communities. He mentioned that the current operations disproportionately affect Latinos, but also encompass Vietnamese, Cambodian, Hmong, Chinese, and Japanese individuals.
Mayor Bass expressed her condemnation of the ongoing operations, asserting that they violate a temporary restraining order upheld by a court earlier this month. “Despite favorable court rulings, they continue unconstitutional actions… It’s racial profiling,” she stated.
Last week, the Trump administration sought permission from the Supreme Court to resume extensive deportation efforts across Southern California, lifting a ban on “roving patrols” that had been deemed unconstitutional.
Bass remarked, “We’re pushing for a strong Supreme Court decision, but will the administration adhere to the law even with a positive outcome?”
