US Attorney Launches Task Force to Target Sanctuary Policies in California

US Attorney Launches Task Force to Target Sanctuary Policies in California

EXCLUSIVE: In a significant move, Bill Essayli, the United States Attorney for the District of California, is intensifying efforts against sanctuary policies in the state. As part of this initiative, he has introduced “Operation Guardian Angel,” a specialized task force comprising agents from federal law enforcement agencies including ICE, HSI, DEA, FBI, ATF, and Border Patrol.

Operation Guardian Angel is designed to systematically monitor a criminal database on a daily basis. The focus is to identify arrested illegal aliens within local jurisdictions who can be charged with felony illegal re-entry into the United States.

Essayli explained the challenges posed by local sanctuary policies saying, “They’ve made it almost impossible for ICE to do their job, issue detainers and remove criminal illegal immigrants from jails. So what we’re doing instead is issuing warrants.” This approach aims to circumvent the barriers imposed by local policies that prevent federal immigration enforcement.

In his statements, Essayli elaborated that the strategy would “flood the system with warrants for criminal illegal immigration individuals held in county jails. They can ignore a detainer, but they cannot ignore a criminal arrest warrant.” This ensures that illegal immigrants cannot evade accountability.

Under the new plan, as soon as an illegal immigrant is booked into a county jail, authorities will review their case files. If the individual meets the criteria for illegal re-entry—defined as a federal offense—agents will swiftly file a complaint and secure an arrest warrant before their release from state custody.

Essayli considers this initiative a pioneering program, projecting that California will serve as a benchmark for similar programs in sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide. The broader aim is to expedite the removal of illegal aliens who have criminal charges or convictions from the United States.

Despite a reported decrease in border crossings, the administration is keen on ramping up the removal process. Recently, the CBP One app transitioned into the CBP Home app, allowing individuals in the United States illegally to self-deport. Eligible individuals can do so with the offer of a paid flight and a stipend of $1,000 upon confirmation of their departure.

For illegal aliens entangled in the criminal justice system, Essayli indicated a target of issuing up to 50 warrants each week within his jurisdiction, which includes Los Angeles. Since the Trump administration took office, officials have already filed 350 such warrants.

“They have no choice; they will comply. And if they don’t comply, if they interfere with our ability to arrest a federal felon, they can expect consequences,” Essayli stated. He expressed confidence in receiving cooperation from local authorities, emphasizing his expectation for no resistance against federal law enforcement actions.

The recent past saw a significant decline in felony re-entry prosecutions, especially during the Biden administration. Essayli’s predecessor had reportedly initiated only 17 of these cases over two years. This shift back to rigorous enforcement highlights a marked change in approach to illegal immigration policy.

The attorney elaborated on the advantages of moving individuals from local to federal custody, stating, “This is the safest way for us to apprehend criminal illegal immigrants. We can detain them while they are still in state custody, where they have been screened for weapons, ensuring a secure transfer to federal authorities.” This enhances the efficiency of the enforcement process while prioritizing safety.

As Operation Guardian Angel unfolds, it may redefine the landscape of immigration enforcement in California and potentially influence practices in other states navigating similar sanctuary policies. The spotlight now turns to how local jurisdictions will respond to increased federal efforts to address illegal immigration and criminal activity.

The implementation of these measures signals a renewed commitment to immigration enforcement from the federal level, following years of uncertainties in policy and practice. Undertaking systematic checks and balancing legal frameworks will likely draw attention not only from political leaders but also from community members who weigh the impacts of these policies in their daily lives.

With the task force’s initiatives rolling out, individuals and local authorities alike are poised for a period of adjustment as federal law enforcement ramps up its presence in countering sanctuary policies.

Fox News’ Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.