On Wednesday, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie held a public briefing to address recent developments regarding the potential deployment of federal agents in the city. This announcement followed California Governor Gavin Newsom's confirmation that federal authorities are en route to San Francisco, escalating concerns among residents and local leaders.
In his statement, Mayor Lurie emphasized, “We have been taking steps to prepare for this kind of escalation here in San Francisco, and I want to be very clear, we are prepared.” His remarks came just moments after Governor Newsom released a video via social media, asserting that federal agents are indeed coming to the city. Newsom criticized the situation, stating, “This is right out of the dictator's handbook,” and challenged the notion that the city is facing uncontrollable crime rates, calling them “fictitious.”
This announcement marks a significant moment, particularly as it follows President Donald Trump's earlier threats to send the National Guard to San Francisco. Additionally, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem had previously discussed plans for deploying federal troops. Mayor Lurie has consistently expressed his belief that federal intervention with militarized agents does not enhance public safety. “This doesn't make our city safer, it terrorizes our communities,” Lurie stated during the briefing.
As Lurie addressed the public, he was flanked by local law enforcement officials and multiple members of the Board of Supervisors. He articulated concerns about the potential consequences of federal troop deployment, stating, “We don't exactly know what the federal government is planning in San Francisco and across the Bay Area, but we do know this federal administration has a playbook in cities across the country.” He highlighted that past deployments in other cities like Portland, Chicago, and Los Angeles have led to increased chaos rather than improved safety.
Mayor Lurie urged the public to remain calm and advocate for their rights through peaceful means. “If federal officials come to incite chaos on the streets of San Francisco, the way to support our communities and keep everyone in our city safe is to make our voices heard peacefully,” he advised. He warned that violence and destruction could provoke a more aggressive response from federal authorities, ultimately putting local communities at greater risk.
In light of the potential federal troop deployment, Lurie announced that he had signed an executive directive aimed at preparing for the anticipated impacts. This directive includes measures to enhance support for immigrant communities and to coordinate efforts between local law enforcement and the city’s Department of Emergency Management to promote public safety.
In a related development, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee expressed her commitment to keeping the public informed about any updates concerning federal agents' presence. “Oakland remains a proud sanctuary city committed to standing with our immigrant families, and we are actively monitoring this situation,” Lee stated.
Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have announced plans to sue the Trump administration if federal troops are deployed. San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu echoed this sentiment, asserting that the city is ready to challenge the federal government's actions in court. “We're ready to go to court immediately if the President follows through on this latest illegal plan,” Bonta affirmed.
As the situation evolves, local leaders remain vigilant and committed to protecting the rights and safety of their communities amid growing tensions surrounding federal intervention.
