Newsom Criticizes Trump’s National Guard Deployment Amid Violent ICE Protests in California

California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing sharp criticism after condemning President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to the state, even as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests escalated into violent confrontations in Los Angeles.

Over the weekend, major demonstrations erupted in downtown Los Angeles and surrounding areas, spurred by growing opposition to federal immigration enforcement operations. What began as peaceful protests quickly devolved into chaos as agitators set fire to vehicles, vandalized businesses, and clashed with police. Local authorities reported injuries to several officers and significant property damage.

In response to the unrest, President Trump ordered National Guard troops to California to assist federal and local law enforcement in stabilizing the situation, particularly around key federal buildings and infrastructure. The deployment was aimed at deterring further violence and safeguarding both public and government property.

Governor Newsom, however, sharply rebuked the move, calling it “a waste” of taxpayer money. Speaking during a press conference, he argued that the National Guard’s presence was unnecessary and politically motivated. “We don’t need federal troops patrolling our streets,” Newsom stated. “This administration continues to misuse military resources for optics rather than safety.”

Newsom’s remarks sparked backlash from Republican lawmakers and law enforcement advocates who accused the governor of minimizing the threat posed by the protests. They argue that the Guard’s intervention helped prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control and question why Newsom would oppose additional support during a public safety crisis.

The incident has reignited long-standing tensions between the Newsom administration and the Trump-aligned federal government over immigration enforcement. Newsom, a vocal critic of ICE and Trump’s border policies, has consistently positioned California as a counterweight to federal immigration crackdowns.

Critics now say Newsom’s rejection of federal assistance signals a concerning reluctance to prioritize security over politics, particularly in moments of civil unrest. While no fatalities have been reported, the violence has left many Californians unsettled and demanding answers about the state’s preparedness and response strategy.

As cleanup efforts begin and investigations into the protests continue, the political rift over how to handle the situation remains as stark as ever. With tensions between federal and state authorities reaching another flashpoint, the events in Los Angeles have once again thrust California into the national spotlight on the contentious issue of immigration and law enforcement.

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