Newsom silent on anti-ICE rhetoric after Dallas shooting, despite urging nonviolence

California Gov. Gavin Newsom faced questions about his anti-ICE rhetoric after a Dallas shooting in which at least two detainees were killed. Investigators said a sniper fired at the Sally Port of a Dallas ICE facility, and authorities recovered ammunition reportedly bearing anti-ICE messages. The episode added fuel to a national debate over immigration enforcement rhetoric and the safety of federal agents.

Newsom was pressed by Fox News Digital for a response to the shooting and for a view on whether his rhetoric has fueled threats against Homeland Security agents. His spokeswoman, Diana Crofts-Pelayo, said violence is never the answer and that they condemn what happened.

Conservatives seized on the incident to argue that heated rhetoric can contribute to hostile actions toward federal immigration enforcement. The coverage cited comments from Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, who urged a calmer tone, while noting remarks from other lawmakers such as Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The episodes underscored partisan tensions over how far officials should go in criticizing federal immigration policy while advocating for safety and due process.

Newsom has long criticized federal immigration enforcement under the previous administration, while defending the right to free speech and critique of government policy. In a separate public showcasing of his stance, he has argued that critics should not be deterred from voicing concerns about how immigration enforcement is carried out while maintaining constitutional rights.

Earlier this week Newsom announced a first-in-the-nation law barring law enforcement from obscuring their identities during official operations, including prohibiting masks and other means of concealment. The measure, signed on a recent weekend, is framed by its sponsors as increasing transparency and accountability for officers involved in enforcement activities. Critics say the policy could complicate undercover work, while supporters argue it promotes public trust and oversight.

The timing of the Dallas shooting and Newsom’s law signings comes as part of a broader national conversation about how rhetoric surrounding immigration policy intersects with public safety. Newsom has contended that the First Amendment protects open criticism of government policy, even as opponents warn that heated statements may embolden violent behavior toward federal agents.

Newsom’s remarks on this episode come amid a wave of political commentary on immigration raids and enforcement. Earlier this summer, he criticized federal operational decisions in Los Angeles and argued for greater accountability in how deportation efforts are conducted. The controversy around identity rules for ICE officers has become a focal point for Democrats who want greater transparency without compromising officer safety, while Republicans argue that rhetoric should not undermine efforts to enforce immigration laws.

In related political notes, Chicago leaders have echoed concerns about federal enforcement tactics. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson characterized federal immigration actions under the Trump administration as overly aggressive, drawing comparisons to Civil War-era sentiments in a broader critique of national immigration policy. The shifting assignments of federal personnel, including a move by a Border Patrol commander to focus on Chicago, have fed into discussions about how federal and local officials coordinate on enforcement and safety.

Newsom had previously used media appearances to press for views on immigration policy and public safety. He has described current debates as part of a larger struggle over safeguarding constitutional rights while ensuring accountability in enforcement. As the Dallas incident drew national attention, Newsom’s allies and opponents alike continued to scrutinize his rhetoric and policy actions, including the identity protection law he championed at the state level and the ongoing dialog about federal enforcement practices.

The evolving story highlights the persistent sensitivity around immigration policy in U.S. politics, and how officials balance advocacy for policy change with the imperative to avoid inflaming violence or endangering public servants. As investigators continue to examine the Dallas shooting and its possible connections to political rhetoric, Newsom and other leaders face questions about how to navigate the line between critique and incitement in a deeply divided political environment.