• Stephen Miller’s nonprofit, America First Legal, sent warning letters to 249 officials, including California leaders, claiming sanctuary policies violate federal law and could lead to criminal or civil penalties.
• California officials, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, reject the claims, stating that state laws like Senate Bill 54 comply with federal law and aim to protect immigrant communities.
• The letters reflect broader tensions between federal immigration enforcement advocates and state/local governments, with the Trump administration signaling stricter enforcement efforts.

California officials and others across the nation recently received warning letters from Stephen Miller’s nonprofit, America First Legal. The letters claim that by supporting sanctuary policies, these officials risk criminal and civil penalties. This correspondence escalates ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement advocates and state and local governments with sanctuary policies.

Letters Sent to California Leaders Emphasize Deportation and Legal Risks

The letters, sent to 249 elected leaders, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas, emphasize that individuals living in the U.S. illegally are subject to deportation. Additionally, they argue that shielding or harboring undocumented immigrants violates federal law. The letters warn that officials supporting sanctuary laws could face prosecution.

One letter to Bonta, dated Dec. 23, accuses him of encouraging defiance of federal immigration law, stating, “This rhetoric illustrates the State’s intent to blatantly violate federal law. Such lawlessness subjects you and your subordinates to significant risk of criminal and civil liability.” The letter concludes by urging compliance with federal laws.

Comments from Trump Administration Officials

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These warnings align with recent comments made by Tom Homan, Trump’s incoming “border czar.” On Fox News, Homan stated that city officials who obstruct deportation efforts could face criminal charges. He added, “If you knowingly conceal or harbor an illegal alien… it is a felony.” Homan also suggested that the incoming administration, with Attorney General appointee Pam Bondi, would aggressively pursue such cases.

California Officials Push Back Against Threats

California officials pushed back against these threats. Attorney General Bonta dismissed the letters as “a scare tactic.” He pointed out that California’s Senate Bill 54, passed in 2017, limits state and local involvement in federal immigration enforcement. Furthermore, Bonta emphasized that SB 54, upheld by courts during Trump’s first administration, complies with federal law. “California will continue to comply with all applicable state and federal laws,” he said in a statement.

Mayor Bass’s office also rejected the letter’s claims, with spokesperson Zachary Seidl calling it “wrong on public safety and wrong on the law.” Bass supports Los Angeles’ recently passed “sanctuary city” ordinance, which prevents city employees and resources from aiding federal immigration enforcement. While the ordinance doesn’t stop federal deportation actions, it signals solidarity with L.A.’s immigrant communities.

In San Diego, Supervisor Nora Vargas reiterated the county’s commitment to protecting residents. She noted the board’s policy restricting county resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement. Vargas explained, “We will not allow local resources to be used for actions that separate families or harm community trust.”

Ongoing Battle Over Immigration Enforcement

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These developments highlight the ongoing battle over immigration enforcement. Advocates for sanctuary policies argue they build community trust and protect residents, while opponents claim they undermine federal law. With the Trump administration signaling tougher enforcement ahead, these tensions are unlikely to ease. For now, California officials remain firm in their stance, vowing to prioritize the needs and safety of their local communities.

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