President Donald Trump escalated his ongoing feud with California Governor Gavin Newsom by publicly endorsing the arrest of the Democratic governor.

The provocative statement came in response to questions about whether Trump’s appointed “border czar,” Tom Homan, should act on Newsom’s dare to arrest him over clashes surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles.

Trump’s remarks have intensified an already volatile situation, drawing sharp criticism from Newsom and raising concerns about authoritarian overreach.

The controversy stems from a series of ICE raids in Los Angeles targeting undocumented immigrants, which began on June 6, 2025. These operations sparked widespread protests, with demonstrators accusing ICE of aggressive tactics and detaining individuals with proper documentation.

Protesters clashed with law enforcement, blocking freeways, setting fire to vehicles, and throwing projectiles, prompting Trump to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to the city on June 7, despite objections from Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

Newsom condemned the deployment as an unlawful federal overreach, arguing it inflamed tensions rather than restoring order.

In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Newsom demanded the troops be returned to state control, calling the federalization a “serious breach of state sovereignty.” California Attorney General Rob Bonta also announced plans to sue the Trump administration over the move.

During a brief exchange with reporters on the White House lawn, Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy asked Trump if Homan should follow through on Newsom’s challenge to arrest him.

Trump responded, “I would do it if I were Tom. I think it’s great. Gavin likes the publicity, but I think it would be a great thing.” He went on to call Newsom “grossly incompetent” while paradoxically noting, “I like Gavin Newsom. He’s a nice guy.”

Trump’s comments followed Homan’s earlier warning that anyone obstructing ICE operations, including Newsom or Bass, could face arrest.

However, Homan later clarified on Fox News that there had been “no discussion” about arresting the governor and emphasized that arrests would only occur if officials “cross the line and commit a crime.”

Legal experts note that Homan, as a border czar, lacks direct arrest authority, and no evidence has been presented that Newsom has broken any laws.