In a shocking turn of events, California Governor Gavin Newsom's Press Office posted a cryptic message on Saturday morning, stating, "Kristi Noem is going to have a bad day today. Youre welcome, America."
Given the current political atmosphere, this was perceived as a threat and was subsequently reported to the Secret Service for investigation.
Later in the day, the meaning behind Newsom's ominous message was revealed. Despite his recent absence from the state, Newsom orchestrated a political event in Los Angeles where he signed several bills aimed at curbing federal immigration enforcement in California.
According to RedState, this move is seen as an extension of his sanctuary state laws, which have been widely criticized for their detrimental effects.
Newsom, seemingly undeterred by calls to "lower the temperature" following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, resorted to divisive rhetoric.
He stated, "The impact of these policies all across this city, our state, and nation, are terrifying. It's like a dystopian sci-fi movie. Unmarked cars, people in masks, people quite literally disappearing, no due process. No rights. No rights in a democracy where we have rights. Immigrants have rights, and we have the right to stand up and push back, and that's what we're doing here today."
Newsom's actions were supported by a host of prominent figures, including LA Mayor Karen Bass, LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis, and LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. The bills he signed, however, have raised questions about their constitutionality.
When questioned about the supremacy clause that gives federal law wide authority on immigration, Newsom responded, "Were going to test the theory." His response, however, was met with criticism, with many arguing that the Supremacy Clause is not a theory for Newsom to test, but a constitutional reality.
Newsom further defended his stance, stating, "The Supremacy Clause doesn't give blanket immunity to state laws...Federal employees have to abide by traffic rules in their respective states. The Supremacy Clause basically asserts that we cannot interfere in federal operations.
Well, federal operations have been conducted for decades and decades without masks. It's never been necessary."
Newsom's comments have been criticized for their lack of understanding of the Supremacy Clause and its implications. Critics argue that the law does not require Newsom's approval for federal agents to carry out their operations, and his personal opinion on the necessity of masks is irrelevant.
Newsom continued his divisive rhetoric, stating, "It's a new construct, conceived to terrorize our diverse communities, to instill fear and chaos. It's quite clear that that's the case. It's simply unnecessary. And then they manifest a justification that could be manifested in every category of society today. If doxxing is a concern, then legislate the solution to those concerns....These are foundationless requirements that they have manufactured."
His comments have been seen as an attempt to incite resistance against federal immigration officers in the state. Newsom's critics argue that his actions place an unnecessary burden on these officers, who would then be responsible for monitoring the internet for instances of doxxing and reporting it to law enforcement agencies.
In response to Newsom's question, "What are you afraid of?" former RedState writer Kira Davis retorted, "Uh. Theyre afraid of being murdered by deranged leftists."
Newsom's dismissal of safety concerns for people in demonized professions such as ICE agents is particularly alarming, given the recent arrest of a Sacramento man who worked as a Democrat lobbyist and union representative for shooting into the offices of the local ABC affiliate.
Acting US Attorney Bill Essayli swiftly responded to Newsom's actions, stating, "The State of California has no jurisdiction over the federal government. If Newsom wants to regulate our agents, he must go through Congress. Ive directed our federal agencies that the law signed today has no effect on our operations. Our agents will continue to protect their identities."
It remains to be seen whether Newsom will attempt to arrest federal immigration officers who continue to wear masks while carrying out their official duties. Such a move would be a grave error on his part, but given his recent actions, it is not entirely out of the realm of possibility.
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