Border Patrol Presence at Newsom Rally
At an anti-Trump rally in Los Angeles on Thursday, Border Patrol agents stood guard outside the event hosted by California Gov.
Gavin Newsom. Video footage showed agents arresting at least one person as demonstrators protested nearby.
Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino told Fox 11, “We’re here making Los Angeles a safer place…
We’re not going anywhere.” When asked about the governor, Bovino added, “They can take that one to the bank and cash it.”
Newsom Responds to Federal Agents
Newsom, a frequent Trump critic and rumored 2028 presidential contender, held the “Liberation Day” rally to oppose Republican redistricting efforts in Texas.
He reacted sharply to the federal presence, saying during his speech, “Right outside at this exact moment are dozens and dozens of ICE agents…
Do you think it’s coincidental?” He warned, “Wake up, America… our streets [were] militarized… That’s Trump’s America.”
Tensions Rise Online and Onstage
Newsom’s office sent a strong response to Fox News Digital, writing, “WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY WEAK LITTLE DONALD TRUMP, THE CRIMINAL PRESIDENT!”
His team also posted on social media: “TRUMP’S PRIVATE ARMY IS ILLEGALLY ON PRIVATE PROPERTY!!!!” Despite the rhetoric, no attempt was made by local authorities to remove the agents.
Redistricting Fight in California
Separately, Newsom is pushing to move redistricting power from California’s independent commission to the Democratic-controlled legislature. But a new POLITICO–Citrin Center–Possibility Lab poll shows most Californians oppose this. Only 36% favor the change, while 64% want the commission to remain. Opposition crosses party lines, with 72% of independents, 66% of Republicans, and 61% of Democrats supporting the current system.
