Tensions between California state leaders and the federal government escalated dramatically on August 14 when U.S. Border Patrol agents, led by El Centro Sector Chief Gregory Bovino, conducted an immigration enforcement operation just outside a high-profile event hosted by Gov. Gavin Newsom at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo.
The governor was unveiling a bold redistricting initiative aimed at countering Republican gerrymandering efforts in Texas, flanked by Democratic heavyweights including Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, when dozens of armed and masked agents arrived in trucks, sparking immediate outrage from local officials who labeled it a deliberate act of provocation.
The operation unfolded as Newsom addressed a crowd inside the museum, promoting the “Election Rigging Response Act” — a proposed ballot measure to redraw California’s congressional maps and bolster Democratic seats in the U.S. House.
Outside, agents in tactical gear, including helmets and rifles, detained at least one individual identified as Angel, a strawberry delivery worker who was reportedly making a routine drop-off to a nearby courthouse.
Coworker Carlos Franco described the scene, noting Angel’s van remained parked outside the museum for over an hour after the arrest.
“He was just doing his normal delivery,” Franco said, advising others to “be careful in general, whether you’re undocumented or not.”
Video footage shared by Newsom’s press office captured Bovino addressing reporters amid honking cars and shouts from bystanders: “We’re here making Los Angeles a safer place, since we don’t have politicians who can do that.
We do that ourselves.”
When pressed on the timing, Bovino denied knowledge of the governor’s proximity, insisting the patrols were routine and that “breaking the law is not coincidental.”
However, federal officials later revealed the operation targeted a suspected member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua near the site, part of broader daily efforts involving over 40 law enforcement teams across Los Angeles.
Newsom’s Defiant Stance
Newsom swiftly condemned the agents’ presence as “pretty sick and pathetic — everything you need to know about Donald Trump’s America.”
His office amplified the message on X, posting: “BORDER PATROL HAS SHOWED UP AT OUR BIG BEAUTIFUL PRESS CONFERENCE!
WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED!”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, speaking to reporters outside the museum, echoed the sentiment, calling it “a provocative act” and “unbelievably disrespectful.”
She asserted there was “no way” it was coincidental, given the event’s wide publicity, and accused the agents of being “the source of the disorder in Los Angeles right now.”
Bass further criticized the raids as unconstitutional racial profiling, violating a recent federal court order prohibiting indiscriminate roving patrols, which was affirmed by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on August 1.
The incident drew historical parallels from William T. Fujioka, chair of the museum’s Board of Trustees and a third-generation Japanese American.
He likened the agents’ actions to the 1942 internment of Japanese Americans, noting the museum’s location as a former assembly point for those sent to camps.
Fujioka highlighted recent ICE raids in Little Tokyo that arrested about 20 people at local businesses, affecting Asian communities.
In response to the backlash, Bovino fired back on August 15, dismissing Newsom’s accusations as a political “tantrum.”
He questioned why there was no similar outrage over “criminals walking the streets of Los Angeles,” including Tren de Aragua members and child rapists, and emphasized that operations are conducted “anytime, anywhere” based on investigative needs.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem supported this stance, confirming the raids were unrelated to Newsom’s event and focused on targeting criminal migrants.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin reiterated: “Our law enforcement operations are about enforcing the law — not about Gavin Newsom.”
Newsom’s office doubled down in a statement to media outlets: “WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY WEAK LITTLE DONALD TRUMP, THE CRIMINAL PRESIDENT!”
Broader Context of Immigration Raids
This clash is the latest in a series of confrontations over immigration enforcement in Southern California.
Since June, federal agents have ramped up raids at locations like MacArthur Park, car washes, and Home Depot stores, drawing lawsuits from Newsom and the City of Los Angeles against the Department of Homeland Security.
The Trump administration has also deployed National Guard troops to quell related protests, actions Newsom has sued over, arguing they undermine state priorities like wildfire response.
As of August 16, the Trump administration has petitioned the Supreme Court to lift restrictions on roving patrols, raising questions about future compliance with court rulings.
Critics, including advocacy groups, argue these operations represent an overreach aimed at intimidating Trump’s opponents, while supporters maintain they are essential for public safety amid ongoing border security debates.
Background on Key Figures and Ongoing Tensions
| Figure/Entity | Role | Key Statements/Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Gov. Gavin Newsom | California Governor | Leading redistricting push; sued federal government over National Guard deployment; called event “Liberation Day” to counter Texas GOP plans. |
| Mayor Karen Bass | Los Angeles Mayor | Denounced agents as “gone amok“; joined lawsuit against DHS; highlighted violation of court injunction against racial profiling. |
| Gregory Bovino | Border Patrol Sector Chief | Led operation; touted making LA “safer“; history of controversial raids, including Kern County sweep ruled unconstitutional. |
| Kristi Noem | Homeland Security Secretary | Affirmed raids based on “investigative work targeting criminal migrants“; denied political motivation. |
The event underscores deepening divides in America’s immigration policy, with California officials vowing to protect diverse communities against what they see as federal overreach.
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