Justice Department sues California over ‘sanctuary’ immigration laws
The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the state of California over its defiance of federal immigration enforcement efforts, just the latest high-profile legal battle between Washington and the Golden State.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions is making the formal announcement Wednesday during remarks at the Annual Law Enforcement Legislative Day hosted by the California Peace Officers’ Association in Sacramento.
“The Department of Justice and the Trump administration are going to fight these unjust, unfair, and unconstitutional policies that have been imposed on you,” Sessions said in released excerpts ahead of the address. “We are fighting to make your jobs safer and to help you reduce crime in America. And I believe we are going to win.”
The lawsuit focuses on three separate California laws: Senate Bill 54, Assembly Bill 450 and AB103 – a trio of legislation making up the state’s “sanctuary” policy.
The suit asks the federal court to block the enforcement of these laws statewide.
“Sanctuary jurisdictions” have dominated the national dialogue on immigration in recent years, with critics saying it creates a safe haven for criminal aliens, while proponents arguing it provides a safer environment for the undocumented to come forward and report crimes without fear of deportation.
In response to Sessions’ actions, California Democratic leaders swiftly responded, condemning the lawsuit as a political stunt.
“At a time of unprecedented political turmoil, Jeff Sessions has come to California to further divide and polarize America,” Gov. Jerry Brown tweeted.
“Trump and Sessions think they can bully California – but it won’t work,” U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., added.
But the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen praised the decision.
“California has chosen to purposefully contradict the will and the responsibility of the Congress to protect our homeland,” Nielsen said in a statement. “I appreciate the efforts of Attorney General Sessions and the Department of Justice to uphold the rule of law and protect American communities.”
The decision by the Justice Department is perhaps the boldest yet in taking aim at the alleged obstruction of federal law, going on offense after a series of suits filed against the administration from California’s attorney general Xavier Becerra on issues like immigration and climate change.
“No matter what happens in Washington, #California will stay the course and enforce all our laws and protect all our people. That’s how we keep our communities safe. #Immigration,” Becerra wrote in response to the news.
More recently, Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf grabbed national headlines after she warned area residents of upcoming ICE raids, with agency officials accusing her of promoting lawless and undercutting federal authority.
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Good i’m glad to hear of this lawsuit the whole state is being turned into 3rd world nation by Moonbeam and his fellow Democrats and frankly they all belong in prison
How is it right for elected officials in CA to protect illegals and law breakers over its legal citizens? Anyone in their right mind would welcome the Justice Department in this endeavor. That Oakland mayor not only protected those breaking the law but helped DANGEROUS criminals avoid capture. CA is out of control and endangering its citizens. We left CA a year ago and it is shocking how quickly it is sinking. I hope the best for this once great state. Move over and let those that love America and its Constitution handle the situation.
Met a middle class office worker with four children today…..his oldest daughter is depressed. She wants an apartment, car to get to work, gas and insurance money. Nineteen, no skills and a service job at $12.00 per hour.
Time and time again, the same story…..
Pack and Ship!!!!!
“No person is illegal!” SHUT UP! I hear that from the left so many times. They aren’t “immigrants” they are illegal aliens. They are invaders. The CA government is complicit with this invasion.
SD and SF and LA are unsafe/unhealthy.
Why anyone goes to these hopeless toilets???
Pack and Ship with us.
We throw in sanitary wipes, paper towels and burning incense to offset germ exposure and the vile stench of these roting cities.
LOL! Obama and the Dems set the stage for this in their successful (before the Supreme Court) suit against Arizona for quite the same laws (but with the opposite thrust – helping not hindering the feds). CA is gonna lose.
Comrade Doomers
Why why why? Not one Republican of consequence or RNC battling the alien voting/ registration or alien sanctuary cities…..
Republicans are GLOBALISTS…….and not your friends..pass the squab and tiger prawns.
Moonbeam Browns next residence should be a federal prison for abuse of power and treason
I can’t see CA winning this and I think some politicians who took this position for short-term gain will regret its long-term impact on their careers. One could still protect dreamers and undocumented immigrants without hindering ICE in expelling convicted felons. That’s a winning position for a politician.
California going from the Golden State to the Scrap metal state in a hurry because of t his Moonbeam Brown idiot
Congressman Tom McClintock bill 334 is to make CA a marijuana sanctuary and keep feds from enforcing drug laws. Tom is in debt and dipping in his pension so he sold out to Cannabis and gives our land away in return for campaigns CASH from tribes and Casinos.
DOPE WILL ALWAYS BE FOR DOPES and the dopes in the Stupid Jackass Party