New Initiative Pressures Sanctuary Cities to Follow Immigration Laws

New Initiative Pressures Sanctuary Cities to Follow Immigration Laws

Sanctuary cities may be forced to confront federal immigration regulations through a groundbreaking program named Operation Guardian Angel. This initiative, spearheaded by Bill Essayli, the U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, aims to ensure that cities stop hindering federal immigration authorities in their efforts to process illegal immigrants, particularly those with criminal backgrounds.

This strategic approach is gathering attention as a potential model for U.S. attorneys nationwide to combat the growing issue of criminal illegal aliens being protected by local policies. The focus on cooperation between local law enforcement and federal officials promises to reshape the landscape of immigration policy enforcement in California and beyond.

Understanding the Sanctuary Status

California’s sanctuary status, established in 2018 under former Governor Jerry Brown, allowed local jurisdictions to become havens for undocumented immigrants. However, the roots of sanctuary policies trace back even further to local laws instituted by various city leaders.

Los Angeles adopted Special Order 40 in 1979, prohibiting police officers from questioning individuals solely about their immigration status. Following suit, San Francisco’s then-mayor Dianne Feinstein officially declared the city a sanctuary in 1985 for those with rejected asylum claims.

The concept evolved in San Francisco, where in 1989, voters approved an ordinance preventing city police from helping federal immigration authorities. Subsequent amendments in 2013 and 2016 further restricted cooperation between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.

The Consequences of Sanctuary Policies

It’s no secret that California, specifically its urban areas, has become a focal point for illegal immigration. With sanctuary policies in place, the state has drawn individuals who engage in criminal activities, including serious offenses like rape and murder.

Lawmakers often seem more concerned with protecting these individuals than ensuring the safety of their constituents. As a result, many violent offenders are released back into their communities rather than being deported to their home countries, leading to tragic outcomes.

One poignant example is the case of Kate Steinle, tragically killed in 2015 by José Inez García Zárate, an illegal immigrant with a long criminal record who had been deported multiple times. His release from custody, facilitated by San Francisco’s sanctuary policies, sparked nationwide outrage and underscored the dangers posed by these local laws.

Research indicates that around 250,000 undocumented immigrants in California have collectively faced nearly 1.7 million arrests for various crimes. This troubling statistic has likely increased under the current administration’s border policies.

Just recently, the Department of Homeland Security released details of over 560 sanctuary jurisdictions in the U.S., including entire states, allowing the regular release of deportable criminal aliens.

Recent High-Profile Crimes

The release of illegal immigrants without notifying federal authorities directly contributes to violent crime. A stark example occurred in February 2024 when Jose Antonio Ibarra, a Venezuelan man, murdered nursing student Laken Riley. This violent incident came shortly after Ibarra’s release from New York custody on local charges, during which ICE was not alerted.

Such instances of violence reiterate the pressing need for sanctuary cities to revisit their policies, as the victims of these preventable tragedies are often innocent Americans.

Legality of Sanctuary Policies

Many local laws that define sanctuary status clearly contradict federal law, particularly 8 U.S.C. §1373, which prohibits local governments from obstructing law enforcement from sharing immigration status information. This legal conflict raises significant concerns about the protection of citizens.

Had New York’s prosecutor Alvin Bragg adhered to federal mandates regarding ICE detainers in the case of Ibarra, Laken Riley might still be alive today. Similarly, Kate Steinle’s tragic death reflects how overreaching sanctuary laws can jeopardize community safety.

Operation Guardian Angel: A New Approach

In response to the escalating crisis, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli has initiated Operation Guardian Angel, which aims to rectify the disregard for federal immigration enforcement among sanctuary cities. This innovative program closes loopholes that have allowed local governments to ignore ICE detainer requests.

Operation Guardian Angel relies on securing judicial warrants for illegal immigrants with prior deportation orders. The initiative creates a collaborative taskforce comprising agents from several federal law enforcement agencies, including ICE and the FBI, to target these offenders effectively.

Upon identifying an illegal immigrant in custody, the taskforce seeks a federal criminal warrant authorized by a federal judge. Once this warrant is issued, local law enforcement has no choice but to comply, ensuring that the individual is handed over to ICE for processing.

As Essayli affirmed in interviews, cities cannot resist a federal judge’s directive. Early reports indicate that Operation Guardian Angel has already led to significant arrests. The taskforce expects to maintain a robust pace, projecting around 40 to 50 arrests weekly.

Scaling Success Across the Nation

Operation Guardian Angel stands as a promising model for other U.S. Attorney’s offices to emulate. By restoring lawful procedures in immigration enforcement, it addresses the severe consequences of sanctuary policies that have long plagued California.

This initiative represents a critical step towards reinforcing immigration laws, enhancing public safety, and reestablishing order in a state grappling with issues stemming from unchecked illegal immigration.

As local and national sentiments evolve regarding immigration enforcement, the success of Operation Guardian Angel could signal a turning point in the fight against sanctuary city policies. The safety and well-being of American citizens depend on the ability of law enforcement to do their jobs effectively and without obstruction.