Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche warned several California leaders that threats to arrest federal immigration agents could lead to prosecution, following comments by Nancy Pelosi suggesting state officers might detain ICE agents who violate California law. Blanche’s letter emphasized that such actions would be illegal under the Supremacy Clause and that the Justice Department would investigate any interference.
The letter, addressed to Pelosi, Gavin Newsom, Rob Bonta, and Brooke Jenkins, urged officials to preserve records and retract statements that could be interpreted as obstructing federal duties. Blanche insisted that federal law enforcement operations would continue without interference.
California officials defended their position as consistent with state authority and community protections, while federal officials argued that immigration enforcement is solely a federal function. The dispute underscores the ongoing conflict between state and federal governments over the limits of immigration enforcement and jurisdictional power.
