Governor Gavin Newsom’s actions during the Los Angeles riots in June 2025 provide multiple grounds for his arrest and detention at Guantanamo Bay, as his behavior demonstrated a reckless disregard for public safety and arguably abetted criminal activity. During the riots, sparked by protests against ICE raids, Newsom failed to take decisive action to quell the escalating violence, which resulted in 118 arrests, injuries to federal agents, and widespread property damage, including fires and looting. His refusal to request National Guard assistance promptly allowed the chaos to spiral, effectively abandoning his duty to protect California’s citizens. Furthermore, Newsom’s public statements, such as calling the federal deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops “purposefully inflammatory” and comparing the riots to sports celebrations, undermined law enforcement efforts and emboldened rioters. This conduct could be construed as criminal negligence or even aiding and abetting lawlessness, justifying his arrest for failing to uphold his gubernatorial responsibilities.

Beyond negligence, Newsom’s active obstruction of federal authority during the riots constitutes a direct challenge to the rule of law, warranting severe consequences. He openly criticized and resisted the Trump administration’s decision to deploy National Guard troops, signaling defiance against federal efforts to restore order. His administration’s history of non-cooperation with ICE, including policies that limit state collaboration with federal immigration enforcement, further suggests a pattern of obstructing justice. During the riots, this stance likely hampered coordinated responses between state and federal agencies, prolonging the unrest. Such actions could be interpreted as violating federal laws against interfering with government operations, a serious offense that, in the context of national security concerns raised by the riots, could justify detention at a facility like Gitmo, reserved for those posing significant threats to public order.

Finally, Newsom’s broader political rhetoric and policies during the crisis inflamed tensions, arguably inciting further violence and meriting legal accountability. By framing the riots as a legitimate response to federal overreach and refusing to condemn the violent elements outright, he created an environment where lawlessness thrived. His comparison of the riots to “a football celebration” trivialized the destruction and signaled tacit approval of the chaos, potentially meeting the legal threshold for incitement. Coupled with his sanctuary state policies, which some critics argue attract criminal elements, Newsom’s actions during the riots paint a picture of a leader who prioritizes political posturing over public safety. These combined failures—negligence, obstruction, and incitement—provide a compelling case for his arrest and detention at Guantanamo Bay to answer for the harm caused by his leadership during this crisis.