JD Vance criticizes Newsom and LA Mayor Bass for encouraging protests that threaten federal law enforcement in Los Angeles.

Vice President Vance Alleges Political Leaders Incite Threats

Vice President JD Vance delivered sharp criticism against California’s top officials Friday, accusing Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of fostering a hostile environment that endangers federal law enforcement. Speaking in Los Angeles, Vance said local leadership is effectively declaring “open season” on federal agents by failing to support those tasked with upholding federal laws.

Vance’s remarks came amid rising tensions over anti-ICE protests and heightened scrutiny of federal law enforcement in Los Angeles. He alleged that “far-left agitators” have been publicizing personal details—including names, addresses, and family members—of federal law enforcement officers, placing them at risk of harassment and threats. “Every single law enforcement officer I talked to today, every single one of them, said they feel like the local leadership—the mayor and the governor—are encouraging these far-left agitators,” Vance stated. “What is the justification for this?”

The Vice President recounted reports from officers that attempts to perform their duties—such as arresting violent criminals who are also undocumented immigrants—are met almost immediately by protesters, some of whom engage in physical obstruction and intimidation. According to Vance, this climate is a direct result of rhetoric and policy from city and state officials. “When Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass treat the city as a sanctuary city, they have basically said that it is open season on federal law enforcement,” he claimed.

Federal vs. Local Control in Spotlight

Governor Newsom has openly criticized President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and Marines to support local police in response to the anti-ICE riots, describing the move as illegal and immoral. Newsom initiated a lawsuit to halt the use of federal military forces. While a district court initially sided with Newsom, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled in favor of the Trump administration, allowing continued federal intervention.

Vance addressed the ruling, stating, “It’s interesting that, for the past couple of weeks, Gavin Newsom has said that there’s an illegitimate effort to send federal resources to secure a city that he refuses to secure, and what the 9th Circuit said yesterday is that that was a completely legitimate and proper use of federal law enforcement.” He emphasized that federal deployments are only necessary when local leaders fail to maintain order. “If you enforce your own laws and protect federal law enforcement, we’re not going to send in the National Guard because it’s unnecessary,” he said.

He further warned that cities that allow violent riots “will” see federal law enforcement deployed to protect citizens. “What I see here today is the great tragedy when a mayor and a governor encourage their citizens to harass and endanger the lives of our police officers and our law enforcement officers. It’s heartbreaking to see, and thank God we’ve got great people who are willing to persevere despite it,” Vance said, closing with praise for officers’ dedication amid challenging conditions.

The controversy highlights ongoing debates over the boundaries of state and federal authority, the safety of law enforcement personnel, and the responsibilities of local officials amid civil unrest. As legal battles and public rhetoric escalate, the stakes for law enforcement and civic order remain high in Los Angeles and beyond.