ISLAMABAD (PEN) : U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday he would support the arrest of California Governor Gavin Newsom amid a widening standoff over the deployment of National Guard troops to the state. The remarks mark a sharp escalation in tensions as legal and political battles intensify over federal immigration enforcement.
Legal Showdown Over National Guard Deployment
Governor Newsom has pledged to sue the federal government over what he described as an unconstitutional deployment of the National Guard to Southern California. He called the move an “illegal act” and accused the president of creating “fear and terror to take over a state militia and violate the U.S. constitution.”
“We are suing Donald Trump,” Newsom stated on social media. “This is a manufactured crisis.” California Attorney General Rob Bonta confirmed that a lawsuit had been initiated, though no filing had been independently verified at the time of reporting.
Federal law does allow the president to deploy National Guard forces under certain conditions, including rebellion, invasion, or failure to enforce U.S. laws. California’s legal challenge contends that these conditions were not met.
Trump’s Response: “I Think It Would Be a Great Thing”
Upon returning to the White House on Monday, Trump was asked by reporters whether his border enforcement official, Tom Homan, should arrest Newsom. Homan had previously warned of action against those obstructing immigration operations.
“I would do it if I were Tom. I think it’s great,” Trump said. “Gavin likes the publicity, but I think it would be a great thing.”
The president’s comments came as tensions simmered following three days of protests in Los Angeles sparked by federal immigration raids. At least 44 individuals were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over the weekend.
Deployment and Protest Response
The U.S. Northern Command confirmed that 300 National Guard troops had been deployed to strategic sites across the Los Angeles area. Their mission, according to the Department of Homeland Security, is to protect federal properties, including the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building, which now houses many of those arrested.
Troops were observed guarding entrances to the detention facility, while cleanup crews worked to remove anti-ICE graffiti from the building’s exterior. Meanwhile, hundreds of demonstrators rallied outside Los Angeles City Hall, calling for the release of detained union leader David Huerta and chanting slogans in Spanish.
Legislative Push and Political Fallout
The unrest has added urgency to Republican efforts to pass Trump’s sweeping legislative proposal, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which includes provisions for enhanced border security, tax cuts, military spending increases, and rollbacks on Medicaid and green energy initiatives.
“We need the One Big, Beautiful Bill to pass ASAP!” posted White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on X. House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed the message, citing the Los Angeles unrest as justification for swift passage.
However, some conservatives in the Senate and figures such as Elon Musk have criticized the bill for its projected cost, warning of increased pressure on the national budget deficit.
Newsom’s Rising Profile Amid Crisis
The controversy has elevated Newsom’s national profile, positioning him as a leading Democratic figure opposing the Trump administration. Yet the governor’s stance also carries risks, as violent acts linked to some protesters — including arson and assaults on police — may erode broader public support.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass attempted to strike a balanced tone, blaming the federal government for heightening tensions while denouncing any violence. “I don’t want people to fall into the chaos that I believe is being created by the administration completely unnecessarily,” she told reporters Sunday.
Trump, however, accused both Bass and Newsom of downplaying the unrest. “We made a great decision in sending the National Guard to deal with the violent, instigated riots in California,” he posted online.
International Reactions
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm after protestors were seen waving Mexican flags and criticizing Trump’s immigration policies. “We call on the Mexican community to act peacefully and not fall for provocations,” she said, though she stopped short of calling for an end to demonstrations.
As legal and political confrontations continue, the battle between California and the Trump administration may shape both the national discourse and the upcoming election cycle.
