Remember when enforcing immigration law wasn’t considered controversial? The battle over immigration enforcement is reaching new heights across America as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies its focus on deporting criminal aliens. And surprisingly, one of the left’s most reliable progressives is breaking ranks.
As sanctuary cities and states dig in their heels against federal immigration enforcement, we’re witnessing a remarkable divide between Democratic politicians who prioritize their radical agenda and those who – amazingly – still remember the meaning of public safety.
Let this sink in: In Sacramento, Democratic lawmakers are pushing legislation that would severely restrict state prison officials from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill would effectively shield criminal aliens from deportation after serving their sentences.
Yes, you read that correctly.
But here’s where it gets interesting. California Governor Gavin Newsom – hardly a conservative hero – is taking a surprisingly firm stance against his own party’s radical proposal. Indeed, his office confirmed he will veto Assembly Bill 15. This legislation would block state prisons from sharing release dates or transferring custody of criminal aliens to federal immigration authorities.
Common Sense Prevails Over Ideology
From Politico: “Newsom believes the state’s so-called ‘sanctuary’ law strikes the right balance between building trust with immigrant communities and working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to deport serious criminals.”
Here’s what the mainstream media won’t tell you: Since taking office in 2019, Newsom’s administration has coordinated with ICE to transfer over 10,600 inmates – including convicted murderers and rapists – into federal custody for deportation proceedings. That’s not a typo – 10,600 criminal aliens off our streets.
This cooperation has played a crucial role in President Trump’s renewed focus on removing criminal aliens from American communities. The administration has made it crystal clear that jurisdictions interfering with federal immigration enforcement will face consequences.
Attorney General Pam Bondi isn’t just talking tough – she’s taking action. Her office has already launched legal challenges against states and localities that obstruct federal immigration enforcement, with recent lawsuits targeting New York and Illinois over policies that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal authorities.
Tom Homan, President Trump’s top immigration enforcement adviser, didn’t mince words when praising jurisdictions that work with federal authorities. He issued a stark warning: officials who deliberately obstruct immigration enforcement could face criminal prosecution. Finally, some real accountability.
The proposed California bill would have created a dangerous precedent by prohibiting state prison officials from:
- Holding inmates at ICE’s request
- Sharing release dates with federal authorities
- Transferring custody to immigration agents
- Responding to federal information requests
Think about that for a moment – Democratic lawmakers actually wanted to keep ICE in the dark about when dangerous criminals would be released into our communities. You truly can’t make this stuff up.
A Model of Practical Governance
Even in America’s most progressive state, there are apparently still some lines that won’t be crossed. Newsom’s position aligns with existing California law, which allows strategic cooperation between state prisons and ICE, specifically for felony offenders.
When vetoing a similar bill last year, Newsom stated it would “impede CDCR’s interaction with a federal law enforcement agency charged with assessing public safety risks.”
Who would have thought we’d see the day when the liberal Governor Gavin Newsom became the voice of reason?!
As President Trump continues his mission to restore law and order through enhanced immigration enforcement, Newsom’s position offers a template for responsible state-level cooperation that prioritizes community safety while maintaining appropriate limits on federal-state coordination.
The message is clear: when it comes to protecting American communities from criminal aliens, even California’s progressive governor recognizes there are lines that shouldn’t be crossed in the name of sanctuary policies.
Key Takeaways:
- Even progressive California recognizes limits to sanctuary policies when public safety is at stake.
- Over 10,600 criminal aliens have been transferred to ICE custody under Newsom’s administration.
- Trump’s enhanced immigration enforcement finds unexpected support from the Democratic governor.
- State-federal cooperation on criminal deportations transcends partisan politics.
