California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized JD Vance, the former Ohio representative and current vice president, for vacationing at Disneyland with his family while immigration raids were underway in Los Angeles. Newsom sarcastically tweeted, *”Hope you enjoy your family time, @JDVance. The families you’re tearing apart certainly won’t,”* referencing the crackdown on undocumented migrants. Vance simply replied, *”Had a great time, thanks.”*
The Vance family’s Disneyland trip drew backlash, with around 150 protesters gathering at the park and nearby locations. Demonstrators held signs like *”No family vacation while we deal with family separation,”* criticizing Vance’s support for aggressive immigration policies. Some protesters even targeted the Grand Californian Hotel, where the family was rumored to be staying.
Newsom has long clashed with the Trump administration, particularly over immigration enforcement. Tensions escalated in June when Trump deployed the National Guard to counter anti-ICE protests, against Newsom’s wishes. The governor has been vocal in opposing federal immigration tactics, which he views as harmful to California’s communities.
Recent raids in Anaheim and surrounding areas have sparked accusations of racial profiling, particularly in Latino neighborhoods. Over 200 undocumented immigrants were detained at a marijuana farm, with Trump authorizing arrests of protesters he called *”slimeballs.”* However, a judge blocked the order, ruling it unconstitutional.
Orange County officials were informed of Vance’s visit beforehand. Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento noted the timing was sensitive, saying, *”I welcome any policymaker to visit, listen, and witness the hard-working immigrant communities that make our county strong.”*
Sarmiento added, *”I respect the office, but I can’t respect policies that hurt our people,”* reflecting local frustration with federal immigration enforcement. The protests and political tensions highlight the ongoing divide over immigration policy in California.
Meanwhile, Vance’s brief response to Newsom’s jab underscores the deepening partisan rift, as Democrats and Republicans remain at odds over how to handle immigration and enforcement. The incident adds to the broader national debate on the issue.
