Governors and mayors of several sanctuary jurisdictions retreated this week against a demand letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on legal action and possible criminal charges against state and local officials restricting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Bondi’s August 13th California Governor Gavin Newsom said:
She added, “Individuals operating under the colour of the law use their official positions to disrupt federal immigration enforcement efforts and to promote or induce illegal immigration could be subject to criminal charges.”
In her letter, Bondy cited President Donald Trump’s April executive order, directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) and federal agencies, identifying the sanctuary jurisdiction, pursuing litigation and examining the terms of the federal fund.
In a post on X, Bondi wrote, “The jurisdiction of the sanctuary that continues to advance illegal aliens ahead of American citizens can either come to the table or see us in court.” She called the letter “an important step in strategic efforts to eradicate sanctuary policies from California to New York.”
Earlier this month, the DOJ released a list of sanctuary jurisdictions, defining it as supporting “actions and policies that effectively hinder the enforcement of federal immigration laws and regulations.” The list includes 12 states, four counties, and 18 cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Seattle and San Francisco.
Newsom’s Office officially responded on August 19th, citing constitutional protections and lawyer ethics rules.
“Last time, the federal government sued and lost,” Governor’s Attorney General David Sapp referenced the 2019 US vs. California ruling in the 9th Circuit. “Currently, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals law is currently being resolved that California law limiting coordination of law enforcement with federal immigration enforcement activities is not directly inconsistent with the obligations imposed on state or local governments by “immigration and nationality laws” or other federal laws,” the letter states.
The letter said prosecuting California officials for following state law “is likely to underestimate the rule of law and constitute a malicious prosecution.” “Therefore, California lawyers involved in the threat or initiation of such prosecution in California may be at risk of facing California ethical complaints,” he added.
At the local level, Boston mayor Michelle Wu cited the 10th Amendment at an August 19 press conference, saying, “Today, Boston says he won’t bow. Today, Massachusetts says he won’t be bullied.”
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said in a statement to the news of local outlet Kiro7: “Immigration enforcement is the exclusive federal responsibility. The city does not interfere with or prevent these federal obligations. We have received the latest letter from Attorney General Bondy and are strongly opposed to the claims.
“Our laws and policies continue to comply with applicable laws, protecting the safety, privacy and constitutional rights of all Seattle residents. We continue to be committed to local values, including being a welcoming city for everyone. We will continue to protect our residents and rights.
Meanwhile, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek said in a statement shared by X:
The DOJ said its officials were “instructed to investigate incidents that include such potential misconduct.”
The DOJ did not respond to requests for comment regarding state and local leaders’ responses to Bondi at the time of publication.
Josephrod contributed to this report.
