U.S. attorney in L.A. moves to 'neutralize' California's sanctuary rules

[SouthBayDem]

Source: Los Angeles Times

The top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles is ratcheting up immigration enforcement in jails as the Trump administration looks for more ways to remove more immigrants from sanctuary cities.

U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli announced this week a pilot program dubbed “Operation Guardian Angel” intended to “neutralize” sanctuary state laws. The office identifies individuals with criminal records who have been deported and charges them with illegally reentering the United States, a federal crime.

The tactic focuses federal resources at the main place sanctuary rules have impeded the work of immigration agents — county jails and state prisons.

[...]

“While the Trump Administration may seek to blame California as it grows desperate to deliver on its misguided, inhumane mass deportation agenda, immigration enforcement is and always has been the federal government’s job,” said a spokesperson for California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta.

Read more: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-05-25/u-s-attorney-in-la-moves-to-neutralize-californias-sanctuary-rules

[ancianita]

1. Pam Bondi's man in LA. Here's hoping that CA AG Rob Bonta is monitoring him.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has actively defended the state's sanctuary laws (specifically SB 54) against federal threats, emphasizing that state and local law enforcement should not participate in immigration enforcement beyond specific, narrow exceptions. He has issued guidance to public institutions to protect immigrant rights and has taken legal action to prevent the federal government from imposing immigration enforcement conditions on state and local grants.

Here's a more detailed look at Bonta's stance:
Defending SB 54:
Bonta has consistently affirmed that SB 54, California's sanctuary law, does not prevent state and local law enforcement from investigating and prosecuting crimes, but it does prohibit them from assisting federal immigration enforcement agents, except in limited circumstances.

Reiterating Immigrant Rights:
Bonta has reminded immigrants of their rights, including the right not to be questioned about their immigration status by law enforcement.

Addressing Threats:
Bonta has condemned threats from the Trump administration to prosecute local officials who defy federal immigration enforcement actions, calling them "scare tactics".

Providing Guidance:
Bonta has provided guidance to public institutions, including schools, hospitals, and courts, on how to comply with California law and protect immigrant rights.

Legal Action:
Bonta has filed lawsuits to prevent the federal government from imposing immigration enforcement conditions on state and local grants.

Monitoring and Enforcing:
Bonta's office has indicated that it is closely monitoring situations where cities or law enforcement agencies may not be following sanctuary laws and will take legal action if necessary.