Newsom Compares LA ICE Riots to Eagles’ Super Bowl Mayhem—Shocking Shift!

LOS ANGELES, June 9, 2025 — California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has stirred controversy by likening the recent anti-ICE protests and riots in Los Angeles to exuberant sports celebrations—think Philadelphia Eagles fans celebrating a playoff win.

Spokesperson Izzy Gardon told Fox News that media reports of “LA riots” missed the mark:

“LA riots? Have these geniuses ever seen what happens when the Eagles win a playoff game?”

Indeed, after the Eagles’ playoff victories, Philadelphia often sees fan mobs overturn cars, light fires, and climb poles—behavior Gardon sees as comparable to what’s happening in LA.

What’s Going On in LA?

• ICE raids triggered unrest: On June 6–7, ICE conducted large-scale immigration raids in areas like Westlake, Paramount, and Compton, leading to confrontations with protesters. Over 100 arrests occurred, and clashes involved tear gas, rubber bullets, and thrown projectiles.

• Federal agents hit back: Protesters reportedly hurled concrete at ICE and National Guard personnel. The federal response included tear gas and arrests during unlawful assembly declarations.

• National Guard deployed: President Trump sent 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles under Title 10, marking the first unilateral deployment in the state in decades. Newsom criticized the move as unlawful and inflammatory,

Why Compare Protests to Sports Celebrations?

Newsom’s office argues the comparison helps contextualize the unrest as emotional, chaotic public expressions rather than organized rebellion. By comparing these events to raucous sports victory scenes, they argue the focus should shift from political framing to emotional outburst—not justification, but perspective.

Critics, however, say this trivializes legitimate anger and downplays the damage and legal implications of the unrest. Republican leaders and local opponents maintain the comparison is tone-deaf and dismissive of community concerns.

What’s Next?

• Legal pushback: Newsom has threatened legal action against the federal deployment, claiming it violates state authority.

• Lingering tension: As protests and counter-protests continue, Los Angeles remains on edge. Local and federal officials must navigate a fragile balance between law enforcement and citizens’ rights.

• Narrative war: The comparison fuels public debate.