Even before federal agents arrived on Coast Guard Island in Alameda, state and local leaders had plenty to say about it. It started with California Governor Gavin Newsom [1] promising to sue President Donald Trump “in a nanosecond” if troops were sent to San Francisco.
[2]“Donald Trump, himself a convicted felon who pardoned felons convicted of assaulting federal law enforcement officers, is misleading the public with his false narrative that America, and especially California, is some lawless wasteland,” Newsom said before federal troops arrived in Alameda. “…We don’t bow to kings, and we’re standing up to this wannabe tyrant. The notion that the federal government can deploy troops into our cities with no justification grounded in reality, no oversight, no accountability, no respect for state sovereignty—it’s a direct assault on the rule of law. We’re drawing a line: California will always defend the Constitution, our people, and our values from authoritarian overreach.”
As has been widely reported, Trump agreed not to send troops to San Francisco to “fight crime” after speaking with his billionaire buddies, Nvidia founder Jensen Huang and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, as well as the city’s outgoing Mayor Daniel Lurie.
U.S. Congresswoman Lateefah Simon
“While Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem have called off federal deployments in San Francisco, we remain prepared for any scenario. Actions speak louder than words, and the long-term safety of our immigrant communities is top of mind for me,” said U.S. Congresswoman Lateefah Simon [8]. “The Bay Area has long been at the center of social movements and peaceful protest, and this moment is no different. We know true safety comes from mobilizing resources and partnership, not from intimidation or militarization. If we are serious about building community safety and saving lives, we must commit fully to building opportunity and preventing violence before it happens. That is the path to peace that lasts.”
California District 18 Assemblymember Mia Bonta
“It is against our values as Alamedans to have our city used as a staging ground to inflict fear, terror, and state-sponsored violence across the Bay,” District 18 Assemblymember Mia Bonta [9] said the day before the troops arrived. “California has seen this President’s playbook already. Terrorizing working-class communities, creating chaos in our streets, and targeting individuals based on their race is no way to enforce immigration, create public safety, or run a country. What is clear to me is that Donald Trump sees himself as a king and that he believes he has free rein to target communities out of spite and politically motivated retaliation. I am confident that California will do all in our power to stand up against this attack on our neighbors.”
Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson
“The actions of ICE have caused many people in our community to feel anxious, fearful, and angry,” District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson [10] said in a statement on the day the troops arrived. “The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office commits to seeking justice on behalf of all in our community, regardless of immigration status. We will not provide immigration status information to the federal government, and we do not coordinate with ICE or participate in immigration activities.
“We cannot thwart lawful activities by the federal government, but we will not facilitate it. We cannot ban federal law enforcement from a public building, but we will preclude them from entering the District Attorney’s physical space.
“We support the freedom of speech, the right to assemble, and the right to peacefully protest, but I encourage those participating not to physically engage law enforcement agencies. We want to keep everyone safe and supported during these difficult times.
“We will not assist federal agents, and we will not violate the law. We remain committed to following state laws which guide our interactions with federal immigration authorities.
“Again, we will not allow anyone’s immigration status to affect our pursuit of justice. Our focus is, and always will be, on public safety for all members of our community, regardless of background or immigration status.”
Alameda County District 3 Supervisor Lena Tam
“Alameda County stands united as a vibrant and diverse community where everyone belongs,” Alameda County Supervisor Lena Tam [11] said in a statement after the troops arrived.
“As the daughter of immigrants from China, I watched my parents struggle to raise our family at a time when laws and societal attitudes were often hostile to people who looked like us. Today, I have a voice in ensuring that Alameda County supports all individuals, families, and public and community groups working to keep our neighborhoods safe, inclusive, and strong.
“The County has been and remains committed to policies and investments that create thriving communities and a healthy environment for everyone, regardless of national origin, race, age, zip code, and immigration status.
“I ask that all organizations and community members continue to work collaboratively and avoid confrontation in our public spaces. The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and our local law enforcement agencies are responsible for ensuring safety in our courthouses and shared spaces. These local officers are not just public servants — they are our neighbors, friends, and family members. We do not want to see anyone harmed who has been sworn to protect us.
“I urge everyone to express themselves peacefully and with respect for one another. We cannot defend our First Amendment Rights by ignoring the rights of others. Let us stand firm, remain united, and demonstrate that strength and compassion can coexist in the fight for what is right.
“California is a sanctuary state and Alameda County is a sanctuary county. Please continue to work with the County and with immigration advocacy organizations. Our goal always is to keep everyone safe, so do not be hesitant to report actual crime and unsafe activity. We are committed to protect all families in Alameda County. By standing united and looking out for one another, we build a stronger, safer, and more compassionate community for all.”