The Justice Department delivered a warning to California after certain Democratic leaders indicated they might arrest federal agents suspected of breaching state laws amid the ongoing immigration crackdown in the state.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Representative Kevin Marin remarked, “The president may enjoy absolute immunity thanks to a rogue Supreme Court, but those acting on his orders do not. Our state and local governments can arrest federal agents if they violate California law, and the president cannot pardon them if convicted.”
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins mentioned her office is formulating a plan to detain federal agents if they resort to force during protests and riots in Los Angeles and Chicago. Jenkins noted that the San Francisco Police Department is backing this approach if there’s “clearly excessive use of force.”
The SFPD did not respond to inquiries regarding this issue.
The Justice Department countered, arguing that any arrest of a federal officer conducting their official duties is unlawful and counterproductive. They pointed out that various federal laws prohibit interference with immigration and other law enforcement efforts in a letter to Pelosi and Jenkins.
The Justice Department also stated it would prosecute any state or local officials found violating federal law.
Protests have already erupted outside locations housing federal agents in the Bay Area. Recently, demonstrators blocked a bridge leading to Coast Guard Island in Alameda, resulting in clashes and multiple arrests. Later that evening, a Coast Guard officer had to fire at a suspect who allegedly attempted to break through a checkpoint with a U-Haul and ignored commands to stop.
No personnel from the Department of Homeland Security were injured in this incident. The driver was shot in the abdomen and taken to a hospital, while a bystander sustained injuries from bullet fragments but was later released. The FBI is leading the investigation into the shooting.
