Officials have cautioned prominent Democrats, including Representative Nancy Pelosi and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, that they may face arrest if they defy federal deportation laws.
Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated that identities of federal employees cannot be disclosed, stressing the need for their protection. This warning came late Thursday after Democrats suggested they might arrest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
“Pelosi received correspondence today from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, as did San Francisco’s District Attorney Brooke Jenkins,” Bondi noted.
“We will not allow threats against federal agents who are enforcing immigration laws passed by Congress,” warned Deputy U.S. Attorney Bill Esseri. “If you target any of our personnel, you will be arrested,” said Esseri, who oversees the Department of Justice in Central California and Los Angeles.
The Justice Department’s stern response was prompted by Pelosi’s threats towards ICE agents.
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Pelosi stated, “While the president might enjoy some immunity due to a lenient Supreme Court, that doesn’t extend to those acting on his commands. Our state and local officials can arrest federal agents if they break California laws, and even if they were convicted, the president wouldn’t be able to pardon them.” This cautionary note was also shared with California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Pritzker has voiced his intent to take action against ICE as well. “They’re engaging in racial profiling, and we need to take accountability,” he mentioned.
Bondi remarked during a Fox News segment, “Pritzker? He’s in the same situation.” She cautioned him directly.
In Chicago, former Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced plans on Thursday to monitor and potentially detain ICE agents amid the growing progressive opposition to federal law enforcement.
Bondi stated that Lightfoot seems to be violating the law and will be receiving a letter from their office regarding her actions.
She emphasized, “We’ve instructed them to preserve all documents related to this case, as urging people to arrest our ICE agents and federal workers is obstructing investigations. If they break the law, we will pursue prosecution.”
FBI Director Kash Patel warned, “No federal officers should be harmed. Anyone involved in schemes to track ICE agents will find themselves in trouble.”
Esseri also cautioned far-left Senator Scott Wiener (D-Calif.) as part of the federal government’s robust response to significant Democratic resistance against the deportation of millions of undocumented individuals.
Progressive Democrats often defend immigration without distinguishing between nationals and economic migrants. This pushback is supported by local business communities that rely on immigrant labor for affordable services, which form a crucial part of the Democratic voter base.
Immigrants also serve a key social function for affluent Democrats, as they often compete to show their moral support for underprivileged groups. Unlike poor or marginalized Americans, undocumented immigrants often accept lower status in society, seeing it as a pathway to stability and opportunity for their children.
In her recent letter, Pelosi emphasized her support for immigrants over citizens, affirming, “San Franciscans continue to stand with patriotic immigrants who are revitalizing America. We won’t be intimidated by fear tactics driven by politics.”
Additionally, legal allies of Trump have suggested the possibility of suing Democrats for civil damages.
