California Senator Alex Padilla ignited a fierce national debate on Sunday after asserting that the state has “no obligation” to assist federal immigration authorities in enforcing deportation laws. His comments, made during an appearance on CBS’s Face the Nation, underline California’s long-standing commitment to sanctuary policies and its refusal to allocate state resources to enforce federal immigration laws.
Padilla framed his stance as a constitutional matter, emphasizing the division of responsibilities between state and federal governments. “No state government—not Texas, not California, not any state in the nation—has a constitutional authority to impose federal immigration law. That is the responsibility of the federal government,” he said.
Padilla also justified California’s sanctuary policies as a public safety measure, pointing to the state’s diverse population and large immigrant community. He argued that cooperation with federal immigration authorities could create fear among immigrant populations, discouraging them from reporting crimes or assisting in investigations.
“California is the most populous state in the nation, the most diverse state in the nation, home to more immigrants than any state in the nation,” Padilla said. “The last thing you want to do is have immigrants who are victims of crime afraid to come forward to report that crime. The last thing you want is immigrants who may be witnesses to crime to be afraid to come forward and share any information that they have in the investigation and prosecution of crimes.”
Padilla dismissed accusations that California’s policies undermine federal law, saying, “Let the federal government do the federal government’s job, but have state and local officials do the state and local officials’ job. There doesn’t have to be a conflict unless that’s what Trump wants.”
Padilla’s comments drew immediate criticism from Tom Homan, the incoming Border Czar appointed by President-elect Donald Trump. Homan has been vocal about his plans to ramp up deportation operations, particularly in sanctuary jurisdictions like California.
During a recent interview on Fox News, Homan expressed frustration with sanctuary policies, stating, “If these sanctuary states and cities keep pushing back, I’ll have the extra resources to double manpower in those sanctuary cities.”
Homan explained that the lack of cooperation from local authorities often forces federal agents to conduct more dangerous field operations to apprehend undocumented individuals. “If we can’t arrest the bad guy in the jail with one agent, it means I’ve got to send a whole team out into the field to find this person. For officer safety reasons, we need a whole team, rather than just one person,” he said.
Homan also addressed undocumented immigrants directly, particularly those with criminal records. He urged individuals with serious offenses to self-deport, warning that federal authorities would prioritize their removal.
“We know who you are, and we’re gonna come and find you,” Homan said in November. He clarified that while the administration would focus on individuals posing public safety or national security threats, others could avoid forced deportation by leaving voluntarily.
“While we’re out prioritizing the public safety threats and national security threats, if you want to self-deport, you should self-deport because, again, we know who you are, and we’re gonna come and find you,” he said.
For undocumented immigrants without additional criminal offenses, Homan offered a more measured approach. “They can put everything in order and leave with their family all together,” he said, adding that federal authorities would provide transportation to their country of origin. “They found their way across the world to come to the greatest nation on earth, and they can find their way home. Either that, or I can give them a free airline ticket.”
California has long been a battleground for immigration policy, with its sanctuary laws drawing praise from immigrant advocacy groups and sharp criticism from opponents who argue that such policies shield criminals. Padilla’s remarks reaffirm California’s commitment to these policies, even as federal authorities prepare for increased enforcement under the Trump administration.
Critics argue that sanctuary policies undermine public safety by preventing the removal of criminal undocumented immigrants. Supporters counter that these policies build trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, ultimately fostering greater cooperation in addressing crimes.
The clash between California’s sanctuary policies and the Trump administration’s strict immigration enforcement sets the stage for heightened tensions. Homan’s promise to double manpower in sanctuary cities signals an aggressive approach, while Padilla’s firm stance underscores California’s resistance to federal oversight.
As the Trump administration implements its immigration agenda, the conflict between state and federal priorities is likely to intensify, raising broader questions about the balance of power in enforcing immigration laws. Whether California’s sanctuary policies protect immigrant communities or impede federal enforcement will remain a contentious issue in the months ahead.
