JD Vance Accuses Bass and Newsom of Inciting Violence
*During a tense visit to Los Angeles on Friday (06-20-25), Vice President JD Vance accused California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of encouraging violent protests against federal immigration enforcement. He claimed their sanctuary city policies and public opposition to federal troop deployment emboldened protesters to attack law enforcement.
“They’ve basically said this is open season on federal law enforcement,” Vance stated, alleging Border Patrol agents were met with violence within minutes of arriving on the scene. He blamed state and city leadership for creating what he called a “chaotic and dangerous” environment.
Karen Bass Fires Back: “Lies and Utter Nonsense”
Mayor Karen Bass responded sharply, calling Vance’s claims “lies and utter nonsense” during a press conference later that same day. She emphasized that city officials acted swiftly to maintain order, including imposing and then lifting a downtown curfew between June 10 and June 17 to control isolated clashes.
“We didn’t encourage violence—we contained it,” Bass said. She described the federal deployment as a “stunt” meant to distort L.A.’s immigrant-friendly values and distract from the administration’s broader political agenda.
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Newsom Also Challenges Vance, Slams ICE Crackdown
Governor Gavin Newsom also hit back, calling Vance’s remarks “categorically false.” Through a spokesperson, Newsom said he has consistently denounced violence and called for peaceful protest throughout the ongoing immigration crisis.
Newsom went further, challenging Vance to a public debate and suggesting his trip was little more than a political show. He accused Vance of exploiting the situation to build support for harsh immigration policies rather than addressing the root issues.
Padilla Controversy Deepens the Rift
Tensions escalated further when Vance referred to California Senator Alex Padilla as “José Padilla” during his L.A. press event—invoking the name of a convicted terrorist. The incident sparked outrage, with Bass accusing Vance of disrespect and Newsom stating the remark was “not an accident.”
Padilla, who had been handcuffed by federal agents during a protest a week earlier, declined to comment directly on the name slip but warned against “politics of distraction” in a recent op-ed about the ICE raids.
Fact Check: Is There Evidence of Encouraged Violence?
Despite Vance’s strong words, no public statements from Newsom or Bass support violence. In fact, both leaders have consistently urged peaceful demonstration while condemning federal overreach. The curfew’s effectiveness and drop in arrests suggest local efforts to reduce tensions—not escalate them.
Reports from major outlets like AP and the Los Angeles Times confirm some isolated clashes near federal buildings, but nothing that directly links city or state leaders to the unrest. Legal rulings upheld the federal right to deploy troops, but did not validate Vance’s accusations.
Political Theater or Security Crisis?
Critics argue that Vance’s visit—and his harsh rhetoric—align with the Trump administration’s hardline immigration playbook. By painting California leaders as reckless or complicit, Vance may be seeking to justify aggressive federal action rather than offering solutions.
The exclusion of local media from Vance’s press event only fueled skepticism. With no solid evidence tying Bass or Newsom to violent acts, his statements appear to be more about political optics than truth.
Why This Story Still Matters
This latest clash underscores the deep divide between state and federal approaches to immigration, law enforcement, and protest management. As the 2025 election cycle heats up, moments like this will shape public opinion and define party lines.
For now, both Karen Bass and Gavin Newsom remain firm: they stand by their calls for peace and continue to resist what they see as the federal government’s overreach into California communities.
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