Gavin Newsom SLAMMED as 'slimeball' by White House: What did he say about ICE that sparked outrage?

The ongoing debate surrounding immigration and law enforcement continues to escalate in California, highlighted by a recent exchange between Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and White House officials. Newsom faced significant backlash after his office described an ICE officer-involved shooting as "state-sponsored terrorism." This incendiary remark was made after the January 7 death of Renee Good in Minneapolis, where federal authorities allege that an ICE officer opened fire after Good allegedly used her vehicle as a weapon against the agent.

In response to growing criticism, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson labeled Newsom an "inauthentic slimeball," accusing him of lacking principles and shifting his stance when faced with scrutiny. "Newscum is an inauthentic slimeball who has no principles -- he simply says whatever he thinks he needs to, in the moment, to get attention," Jackson told Fox Digital. She further accused Newsom of inciting violence against ICE officers to appease his "radical left base."

During a podcast appearance with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, Newsom appeared to walk back his earlier comments. Shapiro confronted the governor about his office's claim, stating, "This sort of thing makes our politics worse." Newsom agreed, saying, "Yeah, I think that's fair," suggesting a recognition of the inflammatory nature of his initial statement.

This incident comes amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the U.S., with Democrats criticizing federal law enforcement while Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, argue that sanctuary state policies, like those in California, undermine public safety. Trump has long criticized Newsom's immigration policies, claiming they protect illegal immigrants and weaken border enforcement.

In the podcast, Newsom defended California's cooperation with ICE, noting that his state allegedly works closely with federal immigration officers, especially concerning the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. "California has cooperated with more ICE transfers probably than any other state in the country," he stated. He also remarked that he has vetoed multiple pieces of legislation aimed at curbing this cooperation.

In the wake of Good's death, protests erupted in Minneapolis, leading to clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attributed the violence to the rhetoric used by Democrats. She highlighted instances of demonstrators vandalizing vehicles and proclaimed, "The Democrat Party has demeaned these individuals," referring to federal immigration officers. Leavitt pointed out a surge in assaults against ICE officers, reporting a staggering increase of over 1,150% in violent attacks compared to previous years.

As the political fallout continues, Newsom's office maintained that while they support the removal of dangerous criminals from California, they oppose federal roundups that target innocent individuals. The governor's spokesperson, Diana Crofts-Pelayo, responded to the White House's criticisms by stating, "Everyday Americans are experiencing state-sponsored terror by our incompetent president."

With immigration policy at the forefront of national discussions, the conflicting narratives surrounding ICE and local law enforcement will likely persist. As both sides of the political spectrum continue to grapple with public safety and immigration reform, this incident has highlighted the complexities of navigating a charged political landscape.