U.S. Border Patrol agents maintained a prominent presence outside an anti-Trump rally organized by California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom in Los Angeles on Thursday, resulting in at least one arrest.
Newsom, who is speculated to have presidential aspirations and is one of President Donald Trump’s most outspoken critics, orchestrated the event, titled “Liberation Day,” to reveal his strategies for countering the GOP’s redistricting initiative in Texas.
In a social media update shortly before the rally, Newsom, perceived as a likely contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, forecasted that “Donald Trump and [Texas Governor] Greg Abbott are going to have a very bad day today.”
Footage captured by local affiliate Fox 11 and acquired by Fox News displayed over a dozen armed, masked Border Patrol agents stationed just outside the rally. The video illustrates agents escorting a man away in handcuffs while bystanders protested vocally.
In an interview with Fox 11, Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino stated, “We’re here making Los Angeles a safer place.”
“Since we won’t have politicians who will do that, we do that ourselves. So, that’s why we’re here today. As you can see, already making it a safer place,” Bovino added.
He further remarked: “We’re glad to be here, not going anywhere.”
When asked what message he had for Governor Newsom, Bovino responded: “Again, we’re making Los Angeles a safer place, we’re going to continue to do that, and they can take that one to the bank and cash it.”
Newsom’s office sent an emphatic email response to Fox News Digital concerning the presence of Border Patrol and ICE officers at his rally: “WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY WEAK LITTLE DONALD TRUMP, THE CRIMINAL PRESIDENT!”
During the rally, Newsom’s social media team also tweeted, “TRUMP’S PRIVATE ARMY IS ILLEGALLY ON PRIVATE PROPERTY!!!!” Nevertheless, no attempts were made by Newsom’s administration or the city of Los Angeles to remove the federal agents.
The Democratic governor recognized the presence of agents during his address. “At this very moment, there are numerous ICE agents right outside,” he stated.
“Do you believe this is merely coincidental?” he inquired. “Donald Trump and his associates, including Tom Homan, the so-called tough guy, have decided, whether by coincidence or not, that this location is suitable for advancing ICE arrests. Indiscriminate? Perhaps. We will discover the truth later.”
“Awaken, America. This is a critical moment. Be aware of what is occurring. Recognize the fear and anxiety. Understand what is happening, not only here in Los Angeles, where we witnessed the militarization of our streets and the disregard for our due process rights,” Newsom continued. “This is Trump’s America. This is the reality we are experiencing. Therefore, these are serious times.”
One of the primary concerns for voters as they approach the 2024 election is the alarming rate of illegal immigration during President Joe Biden’s administration. Trump’s Democratic rival, the former Vice President Kamala Harris, was assigned the task of addressing the border crisis but did so with great ineffectiveness.
In the meantime, Newsom received further unfavorable news this week.
A recent poll indicates that California voters wish to maintain the state’s independent redistricting commission, despite Newsom’s efforts to temporarily return that authority to the Democratic-controlled legislature.
Newsom intends to redraw California’s political boundaries in a manner that favors Democrats, countering President Donald Trump’s initiative for Texas lawmakers to undertake similar actions in support of Republicans.
A POLITICO–Citrin Center–Possibility Lab survey revealed that only 36% of registered California voters are in favor of returning congressional redistricting authority to state lawmakers, while 64% prefer to retain the independent commission.
When analyzed by party affiliation, 66% of Republicans, 61% of Democrats, and 72% of independents support maintaining the commission. Only 28% of independents are in favor of transferring the power to the legislature, as reported by the Washington Examiner, referencing the survey.
