Trump’s Border Czar: Newsom And Bass Could Face Federal Charges Over ICE Riot Response

President Trump’s border czar Tom Homan said Sunday that California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass could face federal charges for their responses to recent ICE raids, which sparked violent riots in parts of Los Angeles, Compton and Paramount.

Homan told NBC, “Someone is going to lose their life” during clashes between masked protesters and federal agents. He said he has not ruled out asking the Department of Justice (DOJ) to prosecute the officials, accusing them of “fomenting the anti‑ICE riots.” (RELATED: ‘It Is Only A Matter Of Time’: Tom Homan Warns Democrats That’ ‘Vilifying’ ICE Could Cause Deadly Consequences)

🚨Speaking to NBC’s @jacobsoboroff, former Trump border chief Tom Homan warned that “someone is going to lose their life” in Los Angeles if conditions continue. He said he may ask the DOJ to prosecute Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsom.https://t.co/CmtZ5TSACA

— The Intellectualist (@highbrow_nobrow) June 8, 2025

🚨TRUMP just now while speaking to press. pic.twitter.com/nPf1PbTVso

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) June 8, 2025

Homan also rebutted claims that schools were caught in the violence, saying “there was no one outside of schools,” NBC reported.

The unrest followed ICE’s arrest of over 100 illegal immigrants — some identified as gang members and drug traffickers — during raids across downtown Los Angeles and surrounding suburbs.

Reuters reported that demonstrators responded with violence: burning cars, throwing rocks and fireworks, and defacing property with slogans like “KILL ICE.” Law enforcement and National Guard troops dispersed the crowds using tear gas.

In response, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard soldiers to Los Angeles — a move that both Newsom and Bass publicly criticized.

NBC News also reported that Homan said the DOJ “may seek criminal charges” against state or local officials who obstruct federal immigration enforcement.

Both Newsom and Bass said they did not support the use of force.

Homan said the DOJ hadn’t yet taken action, but he emphasized that anyone — including elected officials — who “crosses that line” could face felony charges for obstruction.