The Department of Homeland Security is preparing to deploy ICE tactical units to five Democrat-led cities—New York City, Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia, and northern Virginia—in response to escalating unrest in Los Angeles. The move comes amid growing political tensions, as California Governor Gavin Newsom delivered an emotional, nationally televised address blaming President Donald Trump for deepening the crisis. Newsom condemned the use of U.S. troops in Los Angeles, asserting that the deployment violates laws barring federal forces from conducting domestic law enforcement unrelated to federal property or agents. The ICE operations, part of Trump’s hardline immigration agenda, have paralyzed Los Angeles with mass protests and curfews. Critics, including Newsom, argue the president is abusing executive power to exert control over Democratic states. Newsom warned that “democracy is under assault,” adding, “California may be first, but it clearly will not end here.” His comments referenced Trump’s request for sweeping National Guard authority, a move the 9th Circuit temporarily blocked pending further arguments.
While Newsom voiced grave concerns over federal overreach, Trump, speaking from Fort Bragg, defended the deployment, labeling anti-ICE protesters as “foreign enemies” and “animals.” He described Los Angeles as “a trash heap” overtaken by criminals, vowing to “liberate” the city. Trump framed the situation as a battle for national sovereignty, pledging full federal intervention to restore order. Newsom, meanwhile, warned that authoritarianism often begins with targeting the most vulnerable and accused Trump of dismantling constitutional checks and balances and erasing institutional accountability.
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