Governor Newsom files FOIA request over federal agent use at LA redistricting event

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that his office is submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to obtain details about the Trump Administration’s deployment of federal law enforcement at a redistricting press conference. The Governor’s office aims to clarify the motivations behind what it describes as an attempt to intimidate political opponents during the event.

According to Newsom, federal agents were directed away from their regular duties, such as border enforcement and preventing illegal trafficking, and instead used for political purposes. The Governor alleges this move was intended to target individuals supporting fair electoral processes whom former President Trump views as political threats.

“Trump’s use of the military and federal law enforcement to try to intimidate his political opponents is yet another dangerous step towards authoritarianism. Trump is attempting to advance a playbook from the despots he admires in Russia and North Korea. We will not back down in our defense of democratic freedom, and the Trump administration should answer for this pathetic and cowardly behavior,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

The FOIA request seeks all documents, communications, and records related to the decision by the Trump Administration to send dozens of federal agents near an August 14 event at the Democracy Center in Los Angeles. This event included California elected officials—such as Governor Newsom himself—along with congressional and state legislative leaders who gathered to announce efforts challenging what they described as attempts by the administration to influence upcoming midterm elections. The request also asks for information on any communications between the administration and Fox News regarding embedding a reporter and camera crew with ICE agents.

This marks the second FOIA request filed by Newsom’s administration concerning alleged misuse of military personnel and public funds under Trump. Earlier in August, Newsom’s office requested documentation on expenses tied to activating U.S. Marines and federalizing National Guard units since June 7. Congressional testimony indicated that $134 million would be spent on these deployments by the Pentagon.