Los Angeles is now a focal point in the national debate over immigration enforcement, as the top federal prosecutor intensifies efforts within county jails. This move comes as the Trump management seeks to bolster its immigration policies, especially in areas designated as sanctuary cities.

Operation Guardian Angel: A New Approach

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli recently unveiled “Operation Guardian Angel,” a pilot program designed to counteract sanctuary state laws. The initiative targets individuals with criminal records who have been previously deported, charging them with illegal reentry into the United States-a federal offense.

This strategy strategically focuses federal resources on county jails and state prisons, locations where sanctuary policies have historically presented obstacles to immigration agents.

Under the Trump Administration we will not allow sanctuary jurisdictions to stand in the way of keeping the American People safe.

Essayli communicated this message via X, formerly known as Twitter, underscoring the administration’s stance.

State Response and Historical Context

California state officials maintain that they already cooperate with federal authorities regarding immigrants who have committed crimes. A spokesperson for California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated:

While the trump Administration may seek to blame California as it grows desperate to deliver on its misguided, inhumane mass deportation agenda, immigration enforcement is and always has been the federal government’s job.

Prosecuting individuals for illegal entry is not a novel approach. It was commonly practiced during the Obama and second Bush administrations but saw a decline in recent years. Experts suggest that its resurgence could lead to a significant increase in immigration arrests in the region.

Essayli’s Background and Program Details

Essayli,a former state assemblyman and the son of Lebanese immigrants,was appointed last month. He has established a dedicated team of federal officials tasked with scrutinizing databases to identify jailed immigrants who have been deported.This initiative could possibly result in dozens of charges each week.

The Trump administration has expressed frustration with California’s policy that restricts local law enforcement from arresting individuals solely based on deportation orders or detaining them longer than necessary for immigration agents.

California’s Sanctuary Policies

Historically, immigration officials relied on local police for enforcement assistance. However, over the past decade, California and other states have implemented increased protections for immigrants. California has gradually reduced its involvement in immigration enforcement, culminating in a 2018 law that ended 287(g) agreements, which previously allowed local jailers to screen suspects for immigration violations.

Immigration activists have argued that these agreements eroded trust within communities and disproportionately punished immigrants for minor offenses.

Federal Push for Enforcement

The trump administration has been actively seeking to revive programs like 287(g) across the country, aiming to fulfill its promise of mass deportation.

The days of giving criminal illegal aliens a free pass are over. While California may be presently disregarding detainers, it cannot ignore federal arrest warrants.

Essayli stated, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to enforcement.

Collaboration and Limitations

Despite the tensions, collaboration between state and federal immigration authorities persists. California prison officials retain the authority to transfer any inmate to immigration custody, provided they give the person writen notice. Police can also notify immigration agents of an individual’s release if they have specific convictions, including felonies resulting in state prison, most other felonies within the past 15 years, and certain high-level misdemeanors within the last five years.

Sanctuary Cities and Crime: A Contentious debate

President Trump has frequently portrayed sanctuary cities as more dangerous, framing much of his immigration agenda around the removal of criminals. Though, experts argue that this rhetoric does not align with reality.

The foundational assumption is widespread immigrant criminality.
charis Kubrin, criminology professor at UC Irvine

Kubrin’s research, along with other studies, indicates no correlation between sanctuary status and crime rates.

Immigrants do not commit crime at a higher rate than the native born, and immigration to an area does not cause crime rates to rise.
Charis Kubrin, criminology professor at UC Irvine

Operational Details and Potential roadblocks

Essayli’s office has stated that it will file charges and seek arrest warrants to ensure federal agents can “take as many defendants as possible into custody from state jails.”

In 2023 and 2024, federal prosecutors in California’s Central district charged a total of 17 individuals with illegal reentry following removal. Between Jan. 20 and May 1, the office charged 347 people with illegal reentry. In the first five days of the program that began May 10, 13 people were arrested, a slower rate than the preceding months.

Even with increased numbers, the program may face challenges due to its own success, as the volume of prosecutions increases.

At the end of the day they will, they will run into… issues of capacity.
Muzaffar chishti, senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute