In a recent clash over sanctuary policies, Gov. Gavin Newsom hit back at U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's threats of criminal prosecution against California state and local officials, as reported on the official Governor's Office website. Newsom's office pointedly reminded the U.S. Department of Justice of the legal and ethical norms guiding lawyers' conduct, particularly in the context of the California Rules of Professional Conduct, which dissuade legal actions brought forth without probable cause and those aimed merely at harassment.
Last week, AG Bondi sent a dispatch to several states, California included, suggesting state officials could face criminal charges for allegedly hampering federal immigration efforts, something Newsom fiercely contested recalling past legal victories including the 2019 Ninth Circuit decision; this ruling in United States v. California cemented the state's right to manage its law enforcement resources without being forced to enact federal immigration policies. "We will not be bullied into relinquishing our sovereignty," Newsom declared, as stated by the Governor's Office.
Asserting the continued legal grounding of California's approach, the Governor's Office noted any prosecution attempt based on Bondi's argument would likely defy prevailing judicial authority, potentially amounting to malicious prosecution. Furthermore, it wasn't shy in warning that California-based DOJ lawyers engaging in such pursuits might be opening themselves up to complaints with the California State Bar over ethics violations.
California laws, as Newsom's administration underscores, do not act as a barrier to critical criminal investigations or hinder communication around offenders' criminal history California continues cooperating with ICE in cases involving serious or violent crimes, ensuring that public safety prevails, further more, local laws set clear parameters for this cooperation in over 30 specified serious and violent crimes. This framework not only safeguards the public but also encourages the reporting of crimes by those who might otherwise fear their immigration status could be jeopardized.
