Border Patrol officers moved in outside and made at least one arrest Thursday afternoon as California Governor Gavin Newsom chastised President Donald Trump during a speech at a Los Angeles auditorium.
A handcuffed person was being escorted through the crowd by a group of agents wearing tactical gear, according to news footage. Newsom acknowledged the law enforcement presence while speaking inside the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Little Tokyo, saying, “Dozens and dozens of ICE agents are right outside at this exact moment.”
“Do you think it’s coincidental, Donald Trump?” he asked directly in response to the issue. Tom Homan, the border czar and one of Donald Trump’s henchmen, decided to advance here. Next, Newsom brought up a statement made by Senator Adam Schiff: “You have poked the bear, Donald Trump,” he said, adding, “We will punch back.”
During normal immigration enforcement, Border Patrol Sector Commander Gregory Bovino told NBC4 Los Angeles that the agency had arrested one person who he said was in the country unlawfully. “We’re here to make Los Angeles a safer place because we won’t have politicians that will do that, so we do that ourselves,” he told Fox 11 Los Angeles.
Following his remarks, Newsom called the arrest’s timing “pitying” and “pretty sick.” He claimed that federal officials decided to take action just as his news conference was beginning to convey a political message on the President’s alleged dictatorial tendencies.
Since the federal government sent roughly 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard soldiers to Los Angeles in June to control demonstrations against Trump’s mass deportation policies, tensions between Newsom and President Trump have increased. A federal judge convened a three-day trial this week to decide whether the National Guard deployment was lawful after Newsom even sued the government over it. About 250 National Guard troops are still in Los Angeles, but the court has not yet rendered a decision.
The presence of federal agents was also attacked by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who described it as extremely aggressive and insulting. They are the cause of the disorder at the moment, she said, and they are discussing disorder in Los Angeles. This place was safe. No one needed to be detained.
Newsom and other Democratic leaders reiterated their intention on Thursday to restructure California’s congressional districts in an attempt to win five more House seats in the 2026 election. In order for voters to ratify the new maps, Newsom called for a special election on November 4. State lawmakers are anticipated to formally announce the election the following week. Trump recently characterized the Texas Republican’s attempt to acquire five additional seats as something the GOP is entitled to, prompting the action.
Senator Adam Schiff, speaking directly to President Trump, posted an image of the California flag’s grizzly bear on X with the modified text, “Don’t Poke The Bear,” following Newsom’s speech.
