DOJ Warns California Leaders to Cease Threats Against ICE Agents

The U.S. Department of Justice, led by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, issued a strong warning to California officials including Governor Gavin Newsom, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, cautioning them against attempts to arrest or obstruct federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. This action followed Pelosi's suggestion that local police could arrest federal agents if they violate state laws during immigration enforcement operations. Blanche's letter described such arrests as illegal and futile, citing federal laws that prohibit interference with federal law enforcement duties and emphasizing the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution. The DOJ warned that it would investigate and prosecute any state or local officials involved in such resistance and ordered the preservation of all relevant communications. Blanche also extended this warning to officials in other states like Illinois, underscoring that federal agents will continue enforcing immigration laws despite threats from state authorities. This dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and California Democrats over immigration enforcement.