Major Garrett: As you know, President-elect Trump has promised mass deportations. You may also be aware that California has a state law that directs local law enforcement agencies not to participate or cooperate with ICE officers in deportation or background check proceedings. Incoming Trump administration border czar Tom Homan said law enforcement agencies that do not cooperate will be prosecuted under federal law. How can this be resolved?
Padilla: Well, yeah, I think there's an important difference here. No state in the country, not Texas or California, has the constitutional authority to impose federal immigration laws, which are the responsibility of the federal government. Some states, such as Texas, want to push the envelope and find ways to help, but they are not obligated to do so, and that's not what leaders in California and local government leaders across the state say. is. As you know, we do not intend to use state or local resources to do the work of the federal government. First, I think this also has a long history of being wise public safety policy. California is the nation's most populous state, the nation's most diverse state, and is home to more immigrants than any other state in the nation. The last thing you want is for an immigrant victim of crime to be afraid to come forward. Please report the crime. The last thing you want is for immigrants who might be witnesses to a crime to be afraid to come forward and share the information they have in the investigation and prosecution of a crime. That's what we're talking about here. Let the federal government do the federal government's work, and let the state and local officials do the work of the federal government. There is no need for conflict unless President Trump wants it to happen.
GARRETT: The governor has called a special legislative session to convene this week to secure funding to fight the Trump administration. Some of that funding will go to protect California immigrants and undocumented immigrants who are seeking legal advice and ongoing legal financial assistance to assist in their efforts to remain in California and the United States. Will it be secured?
PADILLA: Again, if the first Trump administration is any indicator, communities and communities that deserve to know what their rights are and what aren't, will continue to do so. We know that many fears continue to exist. So if it's legal help, legal advice, legal assistance, that's just the California way. We embrace diversity, and diversity makes our communities thrive and our economies thrive. So, if you want to get down to business, we're going to support families against the threat of the Trump administration. You know, we've been hearing a lot of rantings from Trump and his allies, on the one hand, about the largest deportation operation in our nation's history, and on the other hand, perhaps focusing on violent criminals. No one is against focusing on violent criminals. Democrats and Republicans agree, but that's very different from the indiscriminate deportation of millions of people, which would not only tear families apart and tear apart communities, but also the economic impact it would bring. This is a huge loss.
Garrett: Sen. Alex Padilla, Democrat of California, thank you for taking the time this morning. I will be back soon, so please face the people more. Please come and visit us.
