Newsom criticizes VP Vance over Trump-era immigration raids as protests erupt during the vice president’s Disneyland trip.

Political Tensions Flare During Family Vacation

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Vice President JD Vance engaged in a public war of words this weekend as the vice president and his family visited Disneyland. The exchange, which played out over social media, was sparked by the Trump administration’s recent immigration enforcement actions in California.

While Vance was spending leisure time at the California amusement park with his wife Usha and their two children, Governor Newsom took to X to highlight the ongoing impact of federal immigration raids. “Hope you enjoy your family time, @JDVance. The families you’re tearing apart certainly won’t,” Newsom posted, referencing families affected by detentions and removals under the administration’s policies.

The vice president offered a brief reply, thanking Newsom for the well-wishes but steering clear of addressing the deeper criticism about family separations. “Had a great time, thanks,” Vance responded.

Immigration Enforcement Sparks Protests and Tragedy

The exchange between Newsom and Vance comes on the heels of large-scale protests in Southern California. Demonstrators gathered in Anaheim and other cities to denounce the recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations that led to the detention of hundreds of suspected undocumented immigrants at two local farms. The raids resulted in one death and multiple critical injuries, intensifying criticism of the Trump administration’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott reported that at a Camarillo farm, agents found 10 underage migrant workers—eight of whom were unaccompanied minors—raising new concerns about potential child labor violations and the risks faced by migrant children. Authorities confirmed ongoing investigations into labor practices at the facility.

The recent enforcement surge follows weeks of anti-ICE protests across Southern California, with activists decrying the targeting of migrant workers at local businesses. In response to mounting unrest, the administration deployed National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles, a decision opposed by Governor Newsom and many local leaders. The use of military resources in a domestic context further fueled debate over the balance between border security and civil liberties.

The personal and political dispute between Newsom and Vance underscores the continued national divide over immigration policy. Newsom’s pointed criticism highlights the human toll of enforcement operations, while Vance’s measured response reflects an administration unwilling to yield ground on border security measures.

As California grapples with the immediate aftermath of the raids and the broader implications for migrant families, the clash between state and federal officials is set to continue. With ongoing investigations into child labor and the deployment of military forces to American cities, the future of immigration policy remains a contentious and highly visible issue in the months ahead.