Major Push Against California’s Sanctuary Policy

The U.S. Attorney for the California District, Bill Essayli, is implementing significant measures to address the state’s “sanctuary” policy. His new initiative, named Operation Guardian Angel, has formed a task force that includes resources from ICE, HSI, DEA, FBI, ATF, and Border Patrol. This task force will conduct daily scans of crime databases and identify illegal immigrants who have been arrested in local areas where Department of Justice claims can be made regarding felony charges related to unlawful residency.

Essayli argues that California has created obstacles, making it difficult for ICE to perform their duties, including the removal of illegal immigrants from prisons. He emphasized that, “they’ve made it almost impossible for ICE to do their jobs.”

He also indicated a strategy where they plan to inundate county jails with warrants for the arrests of undocumented immigrants. Although local jurisdictions can overlook ICE detainees, they cannot ignore valid criminal arrest warrants. “As soon as an illegal immigrant is booked into county jail, we review their files. If they fit the re-entry criteria— which is a federal offense— we’ll file a complaint and secure an arrest warrant before they leave state custody,” Essayli explained.

This initiative, according to Essayli, aims to turn California into a “testing ground” for other sanctuary areas across the U.S. He mentions that they will file around 50 warrants weekly for jurisdictions in and around Los Angeles. Since the Trump administration began, approximately 350 cases have already been submitted.

While the number of border crossings is declining, the administration has expressed its intent to boost the removals of undocumented individuals. Recent changes to the CBP app allow individuals across the U.S. to promote themselves for flights out of the country, offering incentives like $1,000 scholarships post-confirmation of their departure.

Essayli further noted that any local governments hindering the process could face repercussions if they obstruct felony arrests. “They don’t have many options, and if they do resist, they can expect consequences,” he said.

Traditionally, felony re-entry charges have been infrequent under previous administrations, with the last couple of years seeing only a small number of those cases filed. The attorney also mentioned that transitioning custody from local jurisdictions to federal hands could be more effective in prosecuting illegal immigrants involved in criminal activities.

“It’s much safer to handle the illegal immigrants in local custody where they are already searched. They won’t be armed, which allows us to ensure a secure transfer,” he added.