As tensions rise over California's sanctuary city policies, America First Legal Foundation, run by President-elect Donald Trump's adviser Stephen Miller, has put nearly 250 officials on notice, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, as detailed by KTLA. In letters circulated to these leaders, the foundation alleges that sanctuary jurisdictions are breaking federal law and are criminally liable for protecting undocumented immigrants from deportation.
According to LAist, these letters warn officials that they could face criminal and civil liabilities. Meanwhile, Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, suggested on Fox News that shielding undocumented immigrants is a felony, which might result in over a year of imprisonment. The America First Legal Foundation, which Miller heads, considers sanctuary policies as a violation of democratic principles and a disrespect for the Constitution.
In a direct response to these allegations, Zach Seidl, spokesperson for Mayor Karen Bass, stated to KTLA that the letter from America First is "wrong on public safety and wrong on the law."
Bonta's office has similarly dismissed America First's assertions as scare tactics, reinforcing their position that California's sanctuary law, SB 54, has previously withstood legal scrutiny and is designed to limit state and local resources in federal immigration enforcement, as reported by Newsweek.
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