1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The Honorable Gavin Newsom Governor of California State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 Dear Governor Newsom, We, the undersigned residents of the State of California, respectfully petition you to use the full authority of your office — including activating the California Guard and other appropriate California state resources — to protect public safety, uphold civil rights, and ensure the security and dignity of all people within our state, including against harmful actions by federal law enforcement agencies. Recent reports and community accounts have raised serious and credible concerns regarding the conduct of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating on California land. These include allegations of practices that have caused physical harm, instilled fear in families, and undermined trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Such conditions threaten the sense of safety that every person in California should be able to expect in their daily lives. The State of California has both a legal obligation and a moral imperative to protect its residents when federal action causes clear harm or jeopardizes public safety. In late 2025, a federal court reaffirmed California’s rightful authority over its military forces by ruling that the attempted federalization of the California National Guard was unlawful and returning command and control of the Guard to the state. The court’s decision made clear that deploying state forces without proper constitutional and statutory authority — including against the state’s own citizens — is impermissible. Governor Newsom directed that California Guard servicemembers be promptly returned to state control to resume their essential role protecting Californians. This precedent underscores that California’s constitutional sovereignty — and the safety of its citizens — must not be compromised by actions taken without legal authorization or that create harm. It affirms that the state has both the right and responsibility to act when enforcement activities on California land endanger people or subvert constitutional protections. We therefore urge you to: • Activate the California Guard and other lawful state resources as necessary to safeguard communities threatened by federal enforcement actions that create risk of harm or violate civil liberties. • Provide a visible state presence dedicated to protecting public safety and de-escalation in affected areas. • Ensure that state and local law enforcement can continue serving California residents without fear of obstruction, intimidation, or interference that undermines community trust. • Emphasize the state’s commitment to upholding the Constitution, human rights, and the well-being of all people within California, regardless of immigration status. This petition is driven by a sincere concern for public safety, constitutional order, and the protection of human dignity. Californians should not be left vulnerable to actions that cause harm, fear, or instability within their own communities, and the state has both the legal authority and duty to act. We respectfully ask for your leadership in safeguarding the safety, rights, and peace of all who live, work, and raise families here in California.