Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Pasadena Congresswoman Demands Answers Over Presence of Armed Federal Agents at Newsom Event

Lawmaker seeks explanation for federal deployment outside the Governor’s recent Little Tokyo press conference

U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman, who represents the Linda Vista area of Pasadena, is demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security following the deployment of approximately 100 heavily armed federal agents outside Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Aug. 14 press conference in Los Angeles.

Friedman led a letter signed by 14 other members of California’s congressional delegation, including Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, questioning the scale, timing and intent of the operation.

The lawmakers are seeking a written response from the Department of Homeland Security by Sept. 4.

Media reports indicate that agents — many in tactical gear and masks — were stationed directly outside the Japanese American National Museum during Newsom’s remarks. Only two individuals were reportedly arrested, prompting concerns about the scale, timing and intent of the deployment.

“The American people must be able to trust that Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol, and related federal agencies will never use their authority to intimidate civilians on the basis of political or policy differences,” the lawmakers wrote.

The letter requests details on who authorized the deployment, whether Newsom’s remarks influenced the decision, the operational justification for the force size, and specifics about the two arrests. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Trisha McLaughlin confirmed the arrests.

Newsom has also filed a Freedom of Information Act request seeking records related to the incident.

Additional signatories include Councilmembers Nanette Barragán, Judy Chu, Gil Cisneros, Robert Garcia, Jimmy Gomez, Sara Jacobs, Ted Lieu, Zoe Lofgren, Kevin Mullin, Luz Rivas, Brad Sherman and Juan Vargas.

The lawmakers say transparency and clarity are essential to maintaining public trust in federal law enforcement and ensuring resources are deployed based on legitimate operational needs.