The Trump administration escalated its response to anti-deportation protests in Los Angeles with the mobilization of 700 Marines, deploying active-duty military on the ground and deepening tensions with California officials.

President Donald Trump endorsed the arrest of California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday as the administration authorized the deployment of 700 Marines to Los Angeles to quell anti-ICE immigration protests amid violence.

President Trump threatened California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s arrest, prompting Newsom to accuse Trump of taking a step toward authoritarianism.

The dare and double-dare between Newsom and the Trump administration comes after the president ordered the National Guard into Los Angeles.

In a televised interview with reporters Monday afternoon eastern time, President Trump suggested that California Gov. Gavin Newsom should be arrested. A reporter first told Trump that Newsom is “daring” border czar Tom Homan to come and arrest him,