The federal government is stepping up immigration enforcement in Los Angeles jails, targeting individuals with criminal records who have been deported. This new initiative, called “Operation Guardian Angel,” was announced by U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. The program aims to bypass California’s sanctuary laws, which limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents.
Under this pilot program, federal officials will identify previously deported individuals who are now in jail and charge them with illegally reentering the United States, a federal crime. Essayli emphasized that under the Trump administration, there will be a strong push against sanctuary jurisdictions that hinder immigration enforcement. He stated, “We will not allow sanctuary jurisdictions to stand in the way of keeping the American people safe.”
California officials, however, argue that they already work with federal authorities regarding immigrants who have committed crimes. A spokesperson for California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized the Trump administration’s approach, calling it misguided and inhumane. They pointed out that immigration enforcement has always been the responsibility of the federal government.
The practice of prosecuting individuals for illegal reentry was common during previous administrations but had declined in recent years. Experts believe that reviving this practice could lead to more immigration arrests in the area. Essayli, who was appointed last month and is the son of Lebanese immigrants, has set up a team to sift through databases to find jailed immigrants who have been deported. He expects the program could result in dozens of charges each week.
California has been a sanctuary state for several years, limiting local law enforcement’s role in immigration matters. In 2018, the state enacted a law that ended agreements allowing local jails to screen inmates for immigration violations. Critics of these agreements say they damage trust within communities and target immigrants for minor offenses.
Despite the tension between state and federal policies, there is still some cooperation. California law allows prison officials to transfer inmates to immigration custody, provided they give written notice. Police can also inform immigration agents about someone’s release if they have certain convictions.
President Trump has portrayed sanctuary cities as more dangerous, often linking crime rates to immigrant populations. However, research indicates that immigrants do not commit crimes at higher rates than native-born citizens, challenging the narrative pushed by the administration.
As the new program unfolds, it may face challenges related to capacity. With the potential for an increase in prosecutions, resources may become strained. In the first week of Operation Guardian Angel, 13 people were arrested, a slower pace than previous months.
This initiative reflects a broader strategy by the Trump administration to enhance immigration enforcement, particularly in states like California that have adopted protective measures for immigrants. As the situation develops, the impact on local communities and the legal landscape remains to be seen.