Newsom calls Garcia deportation fight a ‘distraction’

Chaos ensued, including a Demon-Dem news cycle over the holiday weekend that neither Newsom nor the Democrats wanted, in which pundits debated whether Abrego Garcia and the due process crisis his extrajudicial deportation represents was indeed a distraction, or a constitutional crisis

- Anita Chabria, Tribune News Service

Gov. Gavin Newsom made headlines for his comments about wrongfully deported Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia, when he was trying to make news about tariffs. Speaking at a Central Valley press conference announcing a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its wildly unpredictable trade policies, Newsom answered a question from reporters about Abrego Garcia. He called the controversy about whether the man is a gang member “the distraction of the day.” Chaos ensued, including a Dem on Dem news cycle over the holiday weekend that neither Newsom nor the Democrats wanted, in which pundits debated whether Abrego Garcia and the due process crisis his extrajudicial deportation represents was indeed a distraction, or a constitutional crisis.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., who traveled to El Salvador and was able to speak with Abrego Garcia, shot back at Newsom: “I think Americans are tired of elected officials or politicians who are all finger to the wind,” adding that, “anyone who can't stand up for the Constitution and the right of due process doesn't deserve to lead.” Spoiler alert: I am pro due process, and appalled that our executive branch is arguing for its suspension when it comes to immigrants — because, of course, that is the first step to curtailing everyone's rights. Calling Abrego Garcie’s plight a “distraction,” even if only on the narrow issue of gang membership, as Newsom's office later clarified was his intent, is flat-out wrong. But the seeming split between Newsom and Van Hollen is both smaller than media is playing it, and also the most important question vexing Democrats right now: Do Americans care about the Constitution, or the stock market?