San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie addressed the community on Wednesday following the confirmation from Governor Gavin Newsom that federal agents are set to arrive in the city. In a public briefing, Lurie emphasized that San Francisco is prepared for this escalation, stating, “We have been taking steps to prepare for this kind of escalation here in San Francisco, and I want to be very clear, we are prepared.”
Just prior to Lurie’s address, Newsom shared a video expressing his concerns regarding the impending federal presence, characterizing the move as “right out of the dictator’s handbook.” He criticized President Donald Trump’s proposal to send in the National Guard to combat what he described as “fictitious” crime rates.
The move follows President Trump’s previous threats to deploy National Guard troops to various U.S. cities, including Portland and Chicago, citing needs to quell rising crime and civil unrest. Lurie, alongside local law enforcement officials during his speech, argued that federal intervention with militarized agents does not enhance public safety but instead “terrorizes our communities.”
Lurie pointed out the potential for federal deployment to incite chaos rather than alleviate it. “These tactics are designed to incite backlash, chaos, and violence, which are then used as an excuse to deploy military personnel,” he said. He urged residents to remain calm and to express their concerns through peaceful protest, warning that violence could provoke a more aggressive federal response.
In light of the federal troop deployment, Lurie announced he signed an executive directive aimed at preparing for its impacts, which includes extending support for immigrant communities and improving coordination between local law enforcement and emergency management services to enhance public safety.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee also commented on the situation, reaffirming Oakland’s commitment to being a sanctuary city and promising to keep the public informed. “We are actively monitoring this situation and are in touch with our state and federal delegation,” she stated.
Both Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have expressed their intentions to sue the Trump administration should federal troops be mobilized in California, with Bonta affirming that the state is prepared to take immediate legal action to challenge the move.
This ongoing situation highlights the growing tension between state leadership and federal directives, as local leaders prioritize the safety and rights of their communities amidst rising concerns over federal intervention.