The federal prosecutor in Los Angeles is stepping up immigration enforcement in jails, aiming to challenge sanctuary city laws. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli recently launched a pilot program called “Operation Guardian Angel.” This initiative is designed to target individuals with criminal records who have been deported and are now being charged with illegally reentering the United States.
The focus of this operation is on county jails and state prisons, where sanctuary laws have limited the ability of immigration agents to do their jobs. Essayli emphasized that under the Trump administration, sanctuary jurisdictions will not hinder efforts to keep the public safe. He announced the program on social media, stating that his office will actively pursue charges against those who violate federal law by reentering the country after deportation.
California officials have pushed back against these efforts, arguing that they already cooperate with federal authorities regarding immigrants who have committed crimes. A spokesperson for California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized the Trump administration for blaming California for its immigration enforcement challenges. They reiterated that immigration enforcement is fundamentally a federal responsibility.
The practice of prosecuting individuals for illegal reentry was common during the Obama and George W. Bush administrations but has seen a decline in recent years. Experts believe this renewed focus could lead to a rise in immigration arrests in the area. Essayli, who was appointed last month, has organized a team to sift through databases and identify deported immigrants currently in jail. He anticipates that this could result in dozens of charges each week.
The Trump administration has expressed frustration with California’s policies that limit local law enforcement’s ability to detain individuals solely based on deportation orders. In response to this, Essayli declared that the era of allowing criminal immigrants to evade accountability is over. He noted that while California may not comply with federal detainers, it cannot ignore federal arrest warrants.
Despite the tensions, there remains some cooperation between state and federal immigration authorities. California law permits prison officials to transfer inmates to immigration custody, provided they give written notice. Local police can also notify immigration agents of an inmate’s release under certain conditions.
The Trump administration has been vocal about its desire to revive programs that enhance local involvement in immigration enforcement, aiming to fulfill promises of mass deportation. However, experts challenge the narrative that immigrants are more likely to commit crimes. Research shows that immigrants do not commit crimes at a higher rate than native-born citizens.
As of now, federal prosecutors in California’s Central District have charged a total of 17 individuals with illegal reentry this year. In the first five days of Operation Guardian Angel, 13 arrests were made, although this rate is slower than in previous months. Experts warn that as prosecutions increase, the program may face challenges due to capacity constraints within the legal system.
In summary, Operation Guardian Angel represents a significant shift in immigration enforcement in Los Angeles, reflecting ongoing tensions between federal and state authorities over how to handle immigration issues.