LA Mayor Responds After Border Chief Crashes Newsom Event

California Governor Gavin Newsom officially launched his redistricting campaign Thursday during an event in Los Angeles — but what was meant to be a political announcement quickly turned into something much more dramatic.

Newsom stood at a podium with the phrase “Election Rigging Response Act” printed across the front. Behind him stood supporters and Democratic leaders who cheered the effort to redraw California’s congressional districts. The mood, however, shifted fast after social media posts from the governor’s office claimed that Border Patrol officers had gathered just outside the event.

One image posted by the office showed masked agents standing near the venue. Some were visibly armed and carrying zip ties. Among them was Gregory Bovino, head of the El Centro sector of Border Patrol, who’s become known for his strong public comments on immigration enforcement.

When asked by a local reporter what they were doing there, Bovino said, “We’re here making Los Angeles a safer place, since we don’t have politicians that’ll do that.”

That quote — paired with the armed presence — was enough to spark immediate reactions. Newsom’s team responded with a social media post in all caps: “WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED!”

Tensions rose quickly.

Karen Bass spoke out as well:

Inside the press conference, supporters of Newsom’s proposal said the plan is a necessary response to similar redistricting moves happening in states like Texas. There, Republican lawmakers redrew congressional maps earlier this summer — changes that benefit the GOP and may help them keep control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“If we do not fight back, they will continue to seize unfettered power,” said Jodi Hicks, CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. “They defy the will of the people and threaten the health and wellbeing of all of us.”