California Governor Gavin Newsom stirred controversy after criticizing a federal immigration operation at a large cannabis site in Southern California that escalated into chaos, with demonstrators clashing with officers and tear gas being deployed.
“Trump calls me ‘Newscum’ — but he’s the real scum,” Newsom posted on X, responding to a KTLA video clip showing individuals — both protesters and apparent raid targets — fleeing clouds of tear gas released by law enforcement in Camarillo, California.
Officials within the Trump administration swiftly responded to the governor’s incendiary remarks.
“Why are there children working at a marijuana facility, Gavin?” the Department of Homeland Security’s official X account retorted.
Rodney Scott, Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, said authorities discovered ten underage individuals who were in the U.S. unlawfully at the site, adding that the facility “now [is] under investigation for child labor violations.”
“This is Newsom’s California,” Scott wrote.
The cannabis business involved issued a public statement acknowledging its cooperation with the federal warrants but firmly denied any employment of minors. The company insisted it “has never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices.”
The scene in Camarillo grew tense as hundreds gathered in protest, resulting in heated altercations with law enforcement personnel, some of whom were joined by National Guard units.
This raid and the resulting clashes mark the latest immigration-related showdown in California, a state that has frequently found itself at odds with the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation agenda.
Earlier in the week, federal immigration agents and troops made a highly visible show of strength in Los Angeles’s MacArthur Park, sparking criticism from local officials. Mayor Karen Bass (D) called the action “outrageous.”
Newsom has become increasingly vocal in recent weeks, launching a new podcast where he interviews conservative media figures, and doubling down on attacks against the Trump administration.
A Politico review of his activity on X revealed that his anti-Trump posts have generated audience engagement at three times his usual rate.
With speculation swirling about a potential presidential bid in 2028, Newsom has been making national appearances — including a recent visit to South Carolina, a key Democratic primary battleground. While there, he criticized Trump but didn’t heavily focus on immigration during his remarks.
On social media, Newsom has also responded directly to conservative figures, including Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and the popular right-wing “Libs of TikTok” account, which shared a video allegedly showing a protester in Camarillo firing a weapon at federal officers.
“Of course I condemn any assault on law enforcement, you s poster,” Newsom replied. “Now do Jan 6.”
{Matzav.com}