California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with his counterparts from twelve other states, issued a joint statement concerning federal immigration enforcement. The statement responds to a memorandum from a Trump political appointee at the U.S. Department of Justice regarding state and local law enforcement's role in federal immigration matters.
The statement highlights the constitutional principle that prevents the federal government from commandeering state resources for enforcing federal laws. It cites the Supreme Court ruling in Printz v. United States, which asserts that "the federal government cannot ‘impress into its service—and at no cost to itself—the police officers of the 50 States.’" This decision underscores the balance of power inherent in American federalism.
The attorneys general expressed concern over perceived threats from the President to use the U.S. Department of Justice’s authority against public servants who comply with their state laws. They emphasized that such threats remain unsubstantiated but warned that any illegal actions would be met with a firm response.
They reiterated their commitment to enforcing state laws and prosecuting crimes irrespective of immigration status, dismissing what they describe as the President’s "mass deportation agenda."