America First Legal, a nonprofit linked to Donald Trump’s team, is taking a hard stance on illegal immigration. They’ve sent letters to 249 local officials, including big names like California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, warning them of personal legal risks if they block federal immigration enforcement.
The letters claim that refusing to cooperate with federal immigration laws or harboring undocumented migrants could lead to criminal charges. Trump’s incoming “border czar,” Tom Homan, echoed this on Fox News, stating that knowingly hiding an illegal immigrant could land someone in prison.
California officials, however, aren’t backing down. Rob Bonta called the letters “a scare tactic,” emphasizing that California’s Senate Bill 54 protects state and local resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement. Mayor Bass’s team also dismissed the warning, saying their priority remains the safety of Los Angeles residents.
This move comes as Trump gears up for a sweeping immigration crackdown in his new term. He has pledged to launch the “largest deportation operation” in U.S. history, even planning to declare a national emergency.
With sanctuary cities standing firm, Trump’s efforts are likely to spark major legal battles between federal and local authorities. It’s clear this fight is far from over, and both sides are digging in for what promises to be a fiery showdown.
The question now is: how will this clash reshape immigration policies—and the nation? Stay tuned.
