Key Takeaways:
- Federal Law Enforcement: The Trump administration plans to use stringent federal laws to crack down on sanctuary policies, potentially leading to jail time for officials.
- California’s Resistance: California’s Attorney General and Governor are at the forefront of opposition, but their actions could lead to criminal charges under 8 U.S. Code § 1324.
- Massachusetts Backs Down: Unlike California, the Democratic Governor of Massachusetts opts for compliance, signaling a shift in sanctuary city policies.
By Samuel A. Lopez – USA Herald
[SACRAMENTO, CA] 3:45 PM PST– President-elect Donald Trump’s administration has issued a stark warning to California and other states opposing federal immigration policies: sanctuary city stances will not be tolerated and may lead to severe legal consequences, including criminal charges and lengthy prison sentences for public officials.
America First Legal (AFL), a nonprofit founded by Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff for policy, sent over 249 letters to elected officials in states with sanctuary policies. These letters emphasized that federal laws—notably 8 U.S. Code §1324—prohibit the harboring, concealing, or shielding of individuals unlawfully present in the U.S., with violations carrying penalties of up to five years imprisonment per undocumented individual.
