California’s Gavin Newsom slammed for dismissing deportation crisis as ‘Political Distraction’

Sacramento, California – California Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing mounting criticism from within his party after referring to the uproar over the wrongful deportation of a Maryland man as a “distraction.” The comment, made during a Wednesday press conference in Modesto, has sparked backlash from Democratic leaders and immigration advocates who see the case as a litmus test for the party’s commitment to civil liberties and due process.

At the heart of the controversy is the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident deported by the Trump administration in defiance of a federal court order. Although Newsom had previously advocated for the return of another deportee — Venezuelan asylum seeker Andry Hernandez Romero — his recent remarks distancing himself from Garcia’s case have stirred frustration.

“This is the debate they want,” Newsom said, suggesting some Democrats were playing into Republican narratives. “Are they defending MS-13? Are they defending someone out of sight, out of mind in El Salvador?”

Newsom’s office later clarified that he aimed his comments at the Trump administration’s portrayal of Garcia, not the deportee himself. Spokesperson Diana Crofts-Pelayo emphasized that Newsom was criticizing “inflammatory distractions” and that the real issue was Trump officials ignoring a judge’s ruling.

Still, critics — including Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who traveled to El Salvador to support Garcia — weren’t satisfied. “Anybody who can’t stand up for the Constitution and the right of due process doesn’t deserve to lead,” Van Hollen said on Meet The Press.

A House delegation led by California Rep. Robert Garcia has also taken up Garcia’s cause, accusing the Trump administration of fabricating gang allegations to justify the deportation. Advocacy groups say the case could set a dangerous precedent.

“Trump is making up false information,” said Masih Fouladi, director of the California Immigration Policy Center. “Newsom should be helping us cut through the lies, not reinforcing them.”

Democratic strategists warn Newsom’s response may cost him politically, particularly as many voters see his recent maneuvers as positioning himself for a 2028 presidential run. One strategist, speaking anonymously, likened Newsom’s stance to appeasement. “He’s making himself the Neville Chamberlain of the moment when Democrats want a Churchill.”

While Newsom has taken a more rigid stance on Trump’s trade policies in recent weeks, his mixed messaging on immigration could fracture Democratic unity. “He’s stepping on landmines,” said strategist Steven Maviglio, “and it’s not clear which side he wants to be on.”