Trump’s Suppression of Anti-ICE Protests is Reckless and Authoritarian

This newsletter was originally published on June 11, 2025 — Download as PDF

Photo by Paul Goyette on Flickr

Los Angeles — Over the past week, the Trump administration has purposefully enflamed civil unrest in Southern California by federalizing and deploying the National Guard and U.S. Marines against anti-ICE and anti-MAGA protestors.

Amidst a tightening immigration crackdown launched against Democratic sanctuary cities, revolts against the administration’s draconian policies have continued to snowball — mostly peaceful, but others less so.

As such, Trump and his fascist enablers have capitalized on infrequent scenes of burning cars and property damage to justify advancing to the next stage of their authoritarian plot: deploying armed soldiers against the American people.

Make no mistake: Trump’s hair-trigger federalization of the military is historically unprecedented, needlessly escalatory, characteristically hypocritical, and downright authoritarian.

Photo by White House on Wikimedia Commons

Governor Gavin Newsom Calls Trump’s Military Deployment the “Acts of a Dictator”

Following Trump’s order to federalize the National Guard, California Governor Newsom accused the administration of purposefully escalating unrest to consolidate his power.

“This is a manufactured crisis to allow him to take over a state militia, damaging the very foundation of our republic. Every governor, red or blue, should reject this outrageous overreach,” Newsom argued. “This is beyond incompetence — this is him intentionally causing chaos, terrorizing communities, and endangering the principles of our great democracy. It is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism.”

Before soldiers arrived at the scene, the Los Angeles Police Department noted that most demonstrations were “largely peaceful” and that local law enforcement had the situation under control. After Trump seized control over the response, however, the protests have greatly increased in intensity and severity, becoming far more confrontational.

“[The] protests had dissipated and streets were quiet,” noted California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “[After] Trump announced his plan to deploy troops, the situation on the ground has escalated quickly, with unrest growing overnight.”

California Democrats, including Newsom, believe this is exactly what Trump intended.

“The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles — not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle,” the governor added. “Don’t give them one.”

Accordingly, the state of California has filed a new lawsuit decrying Trump’s blatant abuse of the commander-in-chief’s authority. Namely, the federalization of the National Guard — taking control away from state governors — requires specific prerequisites.

“The situation in Los Angeles didn’t meet the criteria for federalization, which includes invasion by a foreign country, rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States, and being unable to execute federal laws,” the lawsuit reads. “At no point was this the case in the Los Angeles area, where local and state law enforcement remained in control.”

The National Guard was last federalized an incredible 60 years ago, as under law-abiding presidents, governors have historically held the final say over where and when soldiers are deployed within their states. During Trump’s first term, the president even admitted that he required the consent of Governors to send in the troops — a norm he has since abandoned.

Photo: Kristi Noem on Twitter

Trump’s Extreme L.A. Protest Response Underscores the Hypocrisy of Republicans’ Push for “Law and Order”

Considering the lawless history of the current administration, led by a 34-count convicted felon and insurrectionist no less, the hypocrisy surrounding Trump’s heavy-handed and provocative response to civil unrest cannot be overstated.

Once again, MAGA Republicans have endorsed a grossly partisan double standard. Besiege the U.S. Capitol to overturn the results of a legitimate election, and receive a presidential pardon. Impede immigration officers in a blue state, however, and you will be threatened with arrest and prosecution.

During the January 6 insurrection, dozens of police officers were badly beaten and left permanently scarred by Trump supporters, yet the rioters were spared punishment in recognition of their unwavering political loyalty.

Photo: Brian Tyler Cohen on Twitter

The administration’s recent warnings of “Attack a cop, and lifelong consequences will follow!” ring especially hollow considering Trump consciously let more than 1,500 violent cop-beaters back onto the streets of America during his first day in office.

Likewise, Trump issued another conceited threat on Monday: “I promise you [the protestors who confront police] will be hit harder than they have ever been hit before. Such disrespect will not be tolerated!”

“You spit; we hit.”

Ironically, during the Biden administration, Trump’s closest allies, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, once called the idea of federalizing the National Guard “a direct attack on states’ rights

Of course, since they returned to power, Republicans no longer seem to have any misgivings about suppressing free speech or infringing upon the autonomy of states, so long as they’re dealing with blue states.

Governor Newsom: Democracy Is in Danger, and Other States Are Next

Los Angeles —  Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the nation on Tuesday, warning that the administration’s attack on democracy and peaceful assembly is only just beginning.

“On Saturday morning, when federal agents jumped out of an unmarked van near a Home Depot parking lot, they began grabbing people — a deliberate targeting of a heavily Latino suburb,” Newsom reflected. “In response, every day Angelinos came out to exercise their Constitutional right to free speech and assembly.”

“Like many states, California is no stranger to this sort of civil unrest. We manage it regularly, and with our own law enforcement. But this was different,” he added. “Donald Trump, without consulting with California’s law enforcement leaders, commandeered 2,000 of our state’s National Guard members to deploy on our streets — illegally, and for no reason.”

Newsom further warned other governors  —  and the entire country — that the president’s abuse of power will not stop at California, or be limited to just downtown Los Angeles.

“California may be first, but it clearly won’t end here. Other states are next. Democracy is under assault right before our eyes —  the moment we’ve feared has arrived.”

As he finished his address, Newsom delivered a powerful call to action.

“In a democracy, the most important office is not president, it’s certainly not governor. The most important office is [the] office of citizen.”

“What Donald Trump wants most is your fealty. Your silence. To be complicit in this moment.”

“Do NOT give in to him.”

Photo by the White House on Wikimedia Commons

Top Republicans Threaten Gavin Newsom with Arrest and Physical Violence for Defying the Administration

As another perfect illustration of the Trump administration’s fascist intent in Los Angeles, the president and other top Republicans have endorsed the idea of arresting the California governor, with others even supporting calls for physical violence.

Earlier this week, Trump claimed that if he were his “border czar,” Tom Homan, he would consider having Gavin Newsom arrested for aiding in the obstruction of federal law enforcement.

“I would do it if I were Tom. I think it's great,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

When asked by journalists what crime Newsom had committed to justify his hypothetical arrest, Trump’s response was just as puzzling.

“I think his primary crime is running for governor because he's done such a bad job,” he replied.

Newsom clapped back at the remarks on social media, calling them further proof of Trump’s authoritarian intent and total unfitness for office.

“The President of the United States just called for the arrest of a sitting Governor,” he said. “This is a day I hoped I would never see in America. I don't care if you're a Democrat or a Republican, this is a line we cannot cross as a nation.”

Since protests erupted in Los Angeles, other top Republicans have issued similar threats against the governor. House Speaker Mike Johnson, for instance, called for him to be “tarred and feathered,” a brutal and violent form of public torture often practiced in colonial America.

Be warned: In only five months after retaking office, MAGA fascism is already here, and anyone in America could become the next victim.