RELEASE: Friedman Leads California Delegation Demanding Answers on Homeland Security Presence During Gov. Newsom’s Press Event
August 26, 2025
Large, heavily armed federal presence prompts questions about political motivations and use of enforcement resources
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, August 26, 2025, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) led a letter joined by Senators Padilla and Schiff, and twelve additional members of the California congressional delegation, demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding a concerning homeland security presence during Governor Gavin Newsom’s August 14 press conference in Los Angeles.
Public reporting indicates that approximately 100 federal agents — many in tactical gear and masks — were deployed directly outside the Governor’s public event. Only two individuals were reportedly arrested, raising serious concerns about the intent and proportionality of the operation.
“The American people must be able to trust that Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol, and related federal agencies will never use their authority to intimidate civilians on the basis of political or policy differences,” wrote Congresswoman Friedman and her colleagues in the letter.
The letter requests specific information about who authorized the deployment, the operational justification for its scale, whether the Governor’s remarks influenced the decision, and details about the two arrests made.
The letter has 15 total signatories and was led by Friedman (CA-30) and signed by Senators Padilla and Schiff and Representatives Barragán (CA-44), Chu (CA-28), Cisneros (CA-31), Garcia (CA-42), Gomez (CA-34), Jacobs (CA-51), Lieu (CA-36), Lofgren (CA-18), Mullin (CA-15), Rivas (CA-29), Sherman (CA-32), and Vargas (CA-52).
The lawmakers are requesting a written response from DHS officials no later than September 4.
Dear Secretary Noem, Mr. Lyons, Mr. Homan, and Mr. Bovino:
We write requesting information regarding the Homeland Security enforcement activity that occurred during Governor Gavin Newsom’s public announcement on August 14, 2025, outside the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. Public reporting indicates that as many as 100 Homeland Security personnel, many masked and in tactical gear, positioned themselves directly in front of the venue during the Governor’s announcement.
We have grave concerns about the scale, timing, and location of this deployment. Alongside our constituents and local leaders, including Governor Newsom, who filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the Department of Homeland Security regarding this instance of enforcement, we have many questions about the necessity of this action and the decision-making process behind it.
Given these circumstances, we request clarification on the following:
- Who originally made the request to deploy federal immigration enforcement outside of the Japanese American National Museum on August 14?
- Was the subject matter of Governor Newsom’s press conference a consideration in the decision to deploy federal agents to the Little Tokyo area of Los Angeles? What operational criteria were used to determine the size and composition of the force deployed?
- Was the size of the force deployed standard to the reason for deployment?
- Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Trisha McLaughlin stated that two people were arrested during the Little Tokyo operation. Please provide details on these two arrests, including the location these arrests took place and the probable cause established for the arrests. Did DHS officials know these two individuals were going to be present when deciding to conduct immigration enforcement outside the Japanese American Museum on August 14?
Congress must ensure that federal law enforcement resources are deployed based on legitimate operational needs. The American people must be able to trust that Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol, and related federal agencies will never use their authority to intimidate civilians on the basis of political or policy differences. Clear answers in this matter are vital to maintaining that trust.
We request a written response to the questions above no later than September 4, 2025. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
[SIGNED MEMBERS OF CONGRESS]
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