As immigration enforcement raids intensify across the United States, Democratic leaders are standing by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Raids conducted by federal immigration authorities have recently taken place in cities including Seattle, Austin, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. While many of the demonstrations sparked by these actions have remained peaceful, others have led to confrontations with law enforcement. Additional protests are expected to take place nationwide this week.
In Los Angeles, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the arrest of nine individuals on Monday and Tuesday. The agency stated that all of those detained had prior criminal convictions, ranging from homicide and burglary to drug trafficking and child endangerment. DHS officials used the arrests to underscore their focus on targeting violent offenders and criticized political leaders for allegedly protecting them.
“How much longer will Governor Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass continue to prioritize these criminal illegal aliens over their own citizens?” said DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin. She added that “Secretary Noem has a message to the LA rioters: you will not stop us or slow us down.” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), she said, will continue its efforts to detain non-citizens with criminal records.
In response to questions about how Newsom should handle increasing pressure from former President Donald Trump, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer voiced strong support for the California governor during a Wednesday press conference.
Jeffries praised Newsom’s leadership, saying he has been doing “a tremendous job” for Californians. Jeffries also emphasized the Democratic Party’s position: anyone involved in violence or property destruction should face legal consequences, but Americans retain the right to protest peacefully and express grievances to their government.
Schumer echoed the support, accusing Trump of attempting to intimidate Newsom. “He has shown he’s not going to be intimidated, and we’re all for that,” Schumer said. “We’re proud that he is standing firm against Donald Trump.”
