Border Patrol near Newsom event questioned

L.A. area’s Democratic lawmakers demand answers from Homeland Security.

- By Juuia Wick

CARLIN STIEHL Los Angeles Times BORDER PATROL official Gregory Bovino, center, leads an operation in Little Tokyo on Aug. 14.

Two weeks ago, scores of masked, gun-toting federal immigration agents assembled in front of the Japanese American National Museum in downtown Los Angeles.

Inside the museum, Gov. Gavin Newsom was surrounded by nearly every powerful Democrat in California, preparing to announce that he would take on President Trump's redistricting plans with a special election campaign. Outside, Border Patrol Sector Chief Gregory Bovino was flanked by dozens of agents who looked ready for battle.

Now, a number of Southern California members of Congress are demanding answers about the enforcement action outside Newsom’s news conference — and the decision-making process behind it — in a letter sent Tuesday to Department of Homeland Security leaders.