President Donald Trump’s appointed “border czar,” issued a stark warning to California officials amid escalating tensions over immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.

In an interview with NBC News, Homan declared that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations would continue “every day” in the city, despite widespread protests, and hinted that even elected officials like California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass could face arrest if they interfere with federal agents.

Homan, a former acting director of ICE known for his hardline stance on immigration, appeared unfazed by the chaotic demonstrations that erupted across Los Angeles County on Saturday.

Protesters clashed with law enforcement, surrounding federal agents and vehicles in response to ICE raids targeting undocumented immigrants.

Videos captured tense scenes, with some protests escalating to the point of tear gas deployment and arrests. The Los Angeles Police Department reported 11 arrests on Saturday night for failure to disperse.

Despite the pushback, Homan emphasized that ICE would not relent. “I’m telling you what, we’re going to keep enforcing law every day in L.A.,” he said. “I don’t care if they like it or not.”

He framed the operations as prioritizing public safety, citing a raid in LA’s Fashion District as part of a criminal investigation.

However, Homan also suggested that ICE would not distinguish between violent offenders and those with civil immigration violations, stating, “I’ve said a thousand times that aperture will open.”

Homan’s most provocative remarks targeted California’s leadership. When asked if Newsom or Bass could face arrest for obstructing ICE operations, he replied, “I’ll say it about anybody.

You cross that line, it’s a felony to knowingly harbor and conceal an illegal alien. It’s a felony to impede law enforcement doing their job.” While he clarified that he did not believe Bass had “crossed the line yet,” he left open the possibility of legal action against any official who interferes.

This warning aligns with Homan’s broader criticism of California’s “Sanctuary State” laws, which limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

He called Newsom an “embarrassment for the state,” accusing him of prioritizing criminals over public safety by allowing undocumented immigrants to be released due to sanctuary policies.

Adding fuel to the conflict, President Trump authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles on Sunday morning, a move Homan defended as necessary to support law enforcement and ensure public safety.

The decision drew sharp criticism from Newsom and Bass, who argued it would inflame an already volatile situation.

Newsom called the deployment “purposefully inflammatory” and accused the Trump administration of seeking a “spectacle.” Bass, expressing anger over the raids, said they were designed to “sow terror” in the city.

The Department of Homeland Security reported that recent ICE operations in Los Angeles resulted in 118 arrests, including individuals with criminal records for smuggling, drug trafficking, and assault.

However, reports of ICE detaining people during immigration interviews have sparked fear among legal immigrants, further fueling public outrage.

Homan denied allegations that ICE was targeting sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, or churches, dismissing such claims as misinformation.

The clash highlights a deep divide between California’s Democratic leadership and the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration agenda. Newsom condemned the raids as “reckless” and “cruel,” arguing they erode trust and harm communities.

Bass echoed this sentiment, stating that the city would not tolerate tactics that disrupt safety. Meanwhile, Trump and his allies, including Homan, have framed the protests as an “insurrection” against federal law, with some administration officials comparing demonstrators to rioters.

Homan’s role as border czar, a position not requiring Senate confirmation, grants him significant influence over immigration policy with limited oversight.

His appointment reflects Trump’s campaign promise to execute the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, a goal Homan has championed publicly. At the Republican National Convention in 2024, he declared, “You better start packing now,” to undocumented immigrants, signaling the administration’s uncompromising approach.