AG Sessions 'Declares War' on California Over Immigration Law
AG Sessions 'Declares War' on California Over Immigration Law
Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a federal lawsuit against the State of California late Wednesday, citing the implementation of local immigration laws the federal government believes are unconstitutional.The suit, writes NBC News, names Gov. Jerry Brown and California Attorney General Xavier Becerra as defendants along with the state. Litigation – led by the Justice Department – names a trio of laws, intended to protect immigrations, which the agency claims hinder enforcement and endanger federal officials.“California, we have a problem,” said Sessions, speaking at an annual gathering of law enforcement organizations in the state capital of Sacramento. He promised that the “Department of Justice and the Trump administration are going to fight these unjust, unfair and unconstitutional policies which have been imposed on you.”In addition to condemning the state’s leadership, Sessions blasted Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf.A week and a half ago, Schaaf warned Oakland residents of an impending series of immigration raids. The warning purportedly encouraged undocumented aliens to stay home as a means of avoiding detainment and possible deportation.“So here’s my message to Mayor Schaaf: How dare you. How dare you needlessly endanger the lives of law enforcement officers to promote a radical open borders agenda,” said Sessions.Ironically, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed the three bills underpinning the lawsuit as a means to protect his constituents. Brown said last October that they strike “a balance that will protect public safety while bringing a measure of comfort to those families who are not living in fear every day.”According to NBC News, the laws afford illegal immigrants at risk of deportation some of the ‘most generous’ protections in the nation – causing the Department of Justice to charge California with improperly interfering with federal enforcement agencies.Session’s suit specifically addresses three laws signed into effect last autumn:- SB 54, which specifically prevents state prison officials from informing the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency when immigrant prisoners are due to be released. NBC notes the same law bars officials from transferring detainees into federal custody after the completion of their sentences.The law – the most controversial of the three – prompted the Justice Department to allege its implementation means law enforcement officers face greater danger when re-arresting illegal immigrants.
Sessions has previously criticized California for its 'sanctuary city' policies. Image via U.S. Customs and Border Patrol/Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.
Sources
California governor says Trump administration waging war against stateTrump’s Justice Department sues California over immigration enforcement
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Ryan Farrick is a freelance writer and small business advertising consultant based out of mid-Michigan. Passionate about international politics and world affairs, he’s an avid traveler with a keen interest in the connections between South Asia and the United States. Ryan studied neuroscience and has spent the last several years working as an operations manager in transportation logistics.