Newsom criticizes ICE on television hours before attack on agency facility

 

California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who is frequently mentioned as a possible candidate for his party's presidential nomination in 2028, once again stirred controversy Tuesday night after harshly criticizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during a late-night talk show appearance.

In his remarks, Newsom called certain agency practices "abusive" and accused its agents of acting with discretion in enforcing immigration law. These statements were described by analysts and opponents as "inflammatory" and "unfounded." His intention was to gain sympathy from illegal immigrants, who, incidentally, will be stripped of their right to vote.

The governor's remarks came just hours before an armed attack on an ICE facility, rekindling debate about the tone of political discourse and its potential influence on violence against federal authorities.

Although there is no direct evidence linking Newsom's statements to the attack, Republican leaders blamed him for contributing to a hostile climate toward law enforcement. Meanwhile, the governor's allies defended his right to question the federal government's immigration policies and denied that his criticism incites violence.

The incident adds to the growing political polarization surrounding ICE's role in immigration enforcement and once again places Newsom in the national spotlight, just as speculation about his future presidential aspirations is beginning to swirl.