The Department of Homeland Security issued a stern warning on September 20 to three states – California, New York, and Illinois – regarding their lack of cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts. The warning follows earlier correspondence sent by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the states’ attorneys general on September 10, seeking confirmation of their willingness to notify federal authorities when undocumented immigrants are scheduled for release from state custody.
According to DHS officials, while New York and Illinois have explicitly refused to comply with the request, California has yet to respond to the initial communication. ICE indicated in its September 19 follow-up that although collaborative efforts with state
authorities would be preferred, the agency is prepared to work with the Department of Justice and other federal partners to address what it describes as “inadvisable and irresponsible obstruction” of efforts to apprehend and remove criminal undocumented immigrants.
Despite facing resistance from these and other states, DHS reports significant enforcement success, with over 400,000 undocumented immigrants arrested. The department emphasized that 70 percent of those detained had either been convicted of or charged with criminal offenses.
The department highlighted several cases where individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, including those accused of rape, battery, drug offenses, and weapons charges, were released back into communities rather than being transferred to federal custody. Some of these individuals were identified as members of notorious gangs, including Tren De Aragua and Latin Kings.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized these “sanctuary policies,” particularly when combined with cashless bail reforms for serious crimes. She argued that such practices endanger American communities by allowing criminal undocumented immigrants to avoid federal detention. McLaughlin emphasized that ICE’s requests are straightforward – simply asking for notification when criminal undocumented immigrants are set to be released, ensuring their transfer to ICE custody rather than their return to local communities.
The enforcement push comes as part of President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration initiatives following his return to office in January 2025. The administration has implemented stronger border security measures and announced plans for large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants. These efforts have received additional support through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July of this year.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between federal immigration authorities and state governments that maintain sanctuary policies. While federal officials argue these policies compromise public safety and obstruct law enforcement, state authorities have historically defended their stance as necessary for maintaining community trust and protecting civil rights.
Attempts by The Epoch Times to obtain comments from the attorneys general offices of all three states were unsuccessful at the time of publication. The situation continues to evolve as federal authorities signal their determination to enforce immigration laws despite state-level resistance.
The conflict underscores a broader national debate over immigration enforcement practices and the balance between federal authority and state autonomy in managing undocumented immigrant populations. As the administration pursues its enhanced enforcement agenda, the
relationship between federal immigration authorities and these state governments appears likely to remain contentious.