In a fiery new escalation of the border enforcement crisis, former ICE Director and current Trump-appointed Border Czar Tom Homan has issued a stark warning to California officials: Interfere with federal immigration operations, and you may face federal prosecution — even arrest.
“No one is above the law — not even governors and mayors,” Homan declared Sunday morning, as National Guard troops deployed across Los Angeles to support ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. “If Gavin Newsom or Karen Bass crosses that legal line, we will not hesitate to take action.”
The Trump administration’s controversial operation comes amid growing unrest in Southern California, where thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets in protest of ICE enforcement. Federal agents have clashed with demonstrators outside detention centers, courthouses, and ICE field offices in what officials are now calling the most intense anti-enforcement backlash since 2020.
2,000 Troops on the Ground — And a Political Powder Keg
The White House ordered 2,000 National Guard troops into Los Angeles on Saturday night, citing what President Trump called a “breakdown in local cooperation and a threat to public safety.” Both Governor Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass had vocally opposed the move, accusing the federal government of “militarizing” the immigration system.
“This is not law and order — it’s state-sanctioned fear,” Newsom said Sunday. “The Trump administration is turning our communities into war zones.”
But Trump officials argue the opposite.
“This is about restoring law and order,” said ICE acting director Todd Lyons. “Bass and Newsom are siding with lawlessness over federal law. That’s unacceptable.”
‘Harboring Illegal Aliens Is a Felony,’ Homan Warns
Appearing on NBC News, Homan pulled no punches. Asked directly whether Bass or Newsom could be arrested for opposing ICE efforts, he made the legal stakes clear.
“If you knowingly harbor or conceal an illegal alien, it’s a federal felony,” Homan said. “If you obstruct law enforcement, you’re breaking the law. If that happens, we will push for prosecution — period.”
Although he stopped short of confirming that charges were imminent, Homan emphasized that “no one should think they can defy federal law without consequences.”
Homan saved some of his sharpest criticism for Newsom, calling the California governor “an embarrassment to his state” and accusing him of “deliberately inflaming tensions to score political points.”
Deadly Warning: ‘Someone’s Going to Lose Their Life’
More chilling, however, was Homan’s blunt warning that the rhetoric against ICE could lead to bloodshed.
“If this anti-ICE, anti-law enforcement rhetoric keeps escalating, someone’s going to get killed,” he told NBC. “I prayed last night for everyone’s safety. But when you keep fanning the flames, it’s only a matter of time.”
The comment has triggered renewed debate over whether political leaders are helping or hurting the situation.
Former Trump Homeland Security advisor Chad Wolf backed Homan’s stance on X, writing, “Every mayor and governor who defies ICE is endangering officers. Hold them accountable.”
Tensions Boil Over in the Streets of L.A.
Throughout the weekend, ICE teams conducted what they called “targeted enforcement actions” aimed at deporting individuals with final removal orders. Protesters claim the raids are sweeping up non-criminals and tearing families apart.
“These tactics sow terror in our communities,” Bass said Friday. “We will not stand for this.”
By Sunday evening, more than 300 people had been detained in immigration raids, while over 50 protesters were arrested in clashes with federal agents.
Republican Response: ‘Time to Enforce the Law’
Conservative lawmakers have rallied behind Homan, calling on Congress to defend ICE agents and punish what they see as obstructionist Democratic leaders.
“Bass and Newsom are aiding and abetting illegality,” said Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH). “If DOJ doesn’t act, Congress will.”
With the 2026 midterms on the horizon, immigration and border security are once again taking center stage — and Trump’s allies are betting that most Americans want law and order, not chaos in the streets.
“We don’t need sanctuary cities,” Homan concluded. “We need leaders who back the badge — not block it.”
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DONT THREATEN JUST ARREST THE DEMOCRATIC LEADERS THEY ARE COMMITTING TREASON AND SUPPORTING TERRORISM
Go get them Trump!
That would be the best for Real California people
Newsom is a detriment to Cali and the US and should be sued for the fires and now the riots .
DO IT 🧐🧐
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I would love to see Gov. Grusome arrested and thrown in jail.
The same for that POS Mayor Karen Bass. Both are useless blood suckers and are corrupt as hell.
Human says no one is above the law, it should also apply to Trump.
I am all about Newsom getting arrested! No person is above the law; Newsom has demonstrated over and over how he ignores the law when he wants something.
Look how he handled himself during the COVID shutdown.
He required everyone to wear a mask and not go out or be around others people. However, he was living it up with family and friends in a restaurant with no mask acting like all is well. There were no less than 20 or more at the table.
True story
Newsom did his very best to throw small businesses under the bus. He is a corrupt governor.
Arrest him.