President Donald Trump’s top immigration official, Border Czar Tom Homan, warned Sunday that California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass could face federal charges for their handling of violent unrest sparked by recent ICE raids across Southern California.
“You crossed that line. It’s a felony to knowingly harbor and conceal illegal aliens. It’s a felony to impede law enforcement from doing their jobs…if she crossed that line, we’ll ask the DOJ to prosecute…we’re not going to tolerate people attacking our officers.”
In an interview with NBC News, Homan accused both officials of “fomenting the anti-ICE riots” that erupted after federal agents arrested more than 100 illegal immigrants — some of whom were identified as gang members and narcotics traffickers — during coordinated operations in Los Angeles, Compton, and Paramount.
“Someone is going to lose their life,” Homan said, referring to the escalating confrontations between masked demonstrators and federal officers.
Following the raids, streets in several Los Angeles neighborhoods descended into chaos. Demonstrators reportedly torched vehicles, hurled rocks and fireworks at agents, and graffitied buildings with slogans like “KILL ICE.” Federal officers and National Guard troops ultimately dispersed the crowds using tear gas and crowd-control measures.
In the wake of the riots, President Trump authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to restore order in Los Angeles — a move that quickly drew condemnation from Newsom and Bass, who argued that military involvement risked “inflaming” tensions.
Critics argue that Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom’s condemnation of the National Guard deployment and their claims that federal enforcement “escalated tensions” reveal a disturbing political calculus. Their stance appears to suggest that allowing violent protesters — some openly attacking law enforcement and destroying property — to continue unchecked is preferable to restoring order through decisive action. Rather than support the swift enforcement of the law, Bass and Newsom seem more concerned with appeasing their political base, even if that means letting criminals wreak havoc on their own communities.
When Homan mentioned the escalating rhetoric that was creating danger for ICE officers and protesters alike, NBC reporter Jacob Soboroff attempted to turn the blame on him and the Trump administration, saying that Newsom blames them. Homan didn’t take the bait and told Soboroff that he had no respect for Newsom and couldn’t care less about his opinions.
Earlier in the interview, Homan said, “Governor Newsom’s an embarrassment for the state…if he cared about public safety in the state of California he would not have a sanctuary for criminals.”
Homan was unsparing in his response. He signaled that the Department of Justice may pursue felony obstruction charges against public officials who interfere with immigration enforcement or incite civil disorder. “The DOJ hasn’t taken action yet, but if you cross that line — no matter your position — you could be prosecuted,” Homan said.
The warning echoes broader concerns from Trump administration officials about what they view as an organized effort by progressive leaders to resist federal immigration law.
The potential for federal action against state or municipal officials is likely to escalate tensions between the Trump White House and Democrat-led states.
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BRAVO! ANY riot should be ended rapidly by ICE, the police, or any other government official. Newsom and his cronies have absolutely RUINED California! That’s why we have so many who have moved to Texas!