As tensions remain high in the other half of our state amid massive protests in Los Angeles over federal immigration crackdowns, California Governor Gavin Newsom demanded President Trump stand down and indicated California was preparing to sue the federal government. 

Speaking from inside L.A.’s Emergency Operations Center, Newsom said he blames President Trump for inflaming unrest, while accusing him of illegally deploying the National Guard without coordination with California officials.

“This is a serious moment,” Newsom said in the interview, addressing Trump directly.  “It requires serious leadership, and it’s time for you to be a commander in chief of the United States of America, and I will have your back if you want to work in a relationship of trust and truth in the spirit of our founding fathers. But you come after poor kids — you come after families — we will do everything in our power to stand up and stand in your way.”

Watch the entire exchange below:

For his part, President Trump has called the protesters “insurrectionists” when explaining the rationale behind deploying troops to California. Trump took to social media Monday morning to justify his actions, while also attacking California officials.