President Donald Trump made headlines Monday after suggesting that White House Border Czar Tom Homan should arrest California Governor Gavin Newsom. The comment came during a brief exchange with reporters outside the White House, where Trump responded to escalating anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. When asked by Fox News’ Peter Doocy whether Homan should arrest Newsom, Trump replied, “I would do it if I were Tom,” adding, “Gavin likes the publicity… but he’s grossly incompetent.”
Trump criticized the demonstrators, calling them “professional agitators” and “insurrectionists” who should be jailed. The protests in Los Angeles erupted over recent ICE raids, with many participants reportedly spitting on and harassing law enforcement officers. Trump responded swiftly by authorizing the deployment of over 2,000 National Guard troops to the city, and he has publicly considered invoking the Insurrection Act to restore order.
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Later, speaking from New Jersey before boarding Air Force One with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump again condemned the protestors’ violent tactics. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to law and order, promising legal consequences for those who assaulted police and ICE personnel. The president’s move to involve federal troops came after what he described as a “total abdication of responsibility” by local leaders.
Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the deployment, calling it a dangerous overreach. In a public statement, she accused the Trump administration of using federal power to “provoke chaos,” characterizing the demonstrations as “mostly peaceful” — despite reports of injuries to ICE agents, looted shops, and destroyed federal property. Harris claimed the administration’s efforts were “not about public safety — they’re about stoking fear.”
Meanwhile, federal authorities have identified one of the key groups behind the anti-ICE demonstrations, which are expected to continue throughout the week. As tensions remain high, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has placed 500 U.S. Marines at Camp Pendleton on standby. Trump’s critics have called his response heavy-handed, but his supporters say it reflects decisive leadership in the face of growing unrest.
