The controversy erupted as Vance, his wife Usha, and their children visited the theme park in Anaheim. According to the Orange County Register, approximately 100 protesters, including some waving communist flags, gathered outside Disneyland to jeer the family. Additional demonstrations occurred nearby, largely involving older women.
On Saturday, a small crowd assembled outside the Grand Californian Hotel, where the Vance family was believed to be staying. Local Democratic officials reportedly encouraged supporters to protest the visit, even though it was not political in nature.
“I’m offended by the visit,” Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento told KTLA. “So many families are being terrorized by the federal government’s policies.”
Gov. Newsom amplified that criticism, posting to his 2.3 million followers on X (formerly Twitter):
“Hope you enjoy your family time, @JDVance. The families you’re tearing apart certainly won’t.”
— @CAgovernor, July 12, 2025
The post sparked intense backlash online, with critics accusing Newsom of politicizing a family vacation and downplaying serious criminal activity.
The protests and Newsom’s remarks appear to reference a major immigration enforcement raid that took place days earlier in Ventura County. Federal agents conducted a sweep at a cannabis farm where 300 illegal immigrants were detained, including 10 minors—eight of whom were unaccompanied.
One of those arrested was a man with prior convictions for kidnapping, attempted rape, and attempted child molestation. Officials say he was working alongside the children at the farm.
“This illegal alien was apprehended at the California marijuana facility,” CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott posted on X. “Turns out he had been sentenced to 7 years for kidnapping and attempted rape.”
Critics of Newsom quickly responded.
“You have been facilitating child trafficking for forced labor, Newscum,” wrote legal analyst Viva Frei.
Conservative activist Will Chamberlain added, “He’s not returning your underage illegal alien indentured servants to work on your donor’s pot farm, if that’s what you’re asking.”
Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin also pushed back on Newsom’s rhetoric, writing:
“These are the violent monsters @GavinNewsom is defending… He was working at the same farm as 9 unaccompanied children. This is depraved.”
Newsom, who is considered a top contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, has not responded to the criticism. His office previously posted a video showing people running from tear gas during immigration enforcement, with Newsom commenting:
“Kids running from tear gas… Trump calls me ‘Newscum’ — but he’s the real scum.”
Meanwhile, Glass House Farms, where the arrests occurred, is under federal investigation for potential child labor violations. The raid, carried out by CBP and ICE at two locations, led to clashes with protesters who appeared shortly after agents arrived.
Despite the political uproar, DHS officials maintain the raid was necessary to rescue minors from dangerous working conditions and apprehend violent offenders.