Governor Newsom Slams Trump’s Militarization of Los Angeles, Warns of Economic Fallout

Los Angeles — A Direct Challenge to Federal Enforcement

California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly condemned the federal government’s immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles during a visit to the region, citing constitutional violations, racial profiling, and economic harm. According to the official press release, Newsom urged President Trump to end the ongoing militarization campaign and withdraw the thousands of National Guard troops currently stationed in the city.

“Enough is Enough,” Says Newsom

Speaking directly to the consequences of federal immigration raids, Newsom declared:

The Governor met with small business owners, including at Cuernavaca’s Grill in Bell, and with members of a Downey church that had been recently targeted by federal agents. The visits aimed to document the tangible community impact of these indiscriminate raids.

Economic Toll on California

According to a UCLA Anderson forecast, Trump’s immigration enforcement and global tariff policies are expected to shrink California’s economy by the end of 2025. Mass deportations could eliminate over $275 billion from the state’s economy and reduce $23 billion in annual tax revenue.

In 2022 alone, undocumented immigrants contributed $8.5 billion in state and local taxes — a figure projected to increase to $10.3 billion if these individuals had legal work permits. Their absence would impact sectors like agriculture, hospitality, and construction, delaying critical projects such as rebuilding after wildfires.

Know Your Rights Resources Released

To help families and workers navigate the crackdown, the Governor’s Office released new “know your rights” guides, available in both English and Spanish. Key points include:

• You may observe and record public immigration arrests, but keep a safe distance.
• Never physically or verbally interfere with federal agents.
• A judge-signed warrant is required to enter non-public areas of private property.
• Prepare emergency plans if arrested: memorize phone numbers and have childcare and medication plans ready.

Call to Demobilize National Guard

Roughly 4,000 National Guard members have been stationed in Los Angeles for over a month, part of what Newsom called a “theatrical deployment.” While some have begun demobilizing, many remain without a clear mission. Newsom urged President Trump and the Department of Defense to send all troops home immediately.