Federal officials signaled they will continue large-scale immigration enforcement in Los Angeles and other sanctuary jurisdictions. A senior federal immigration official vowed to expand operations to additional cities, including New York, saying enforcement teams will “double down and triple down” on areas viewed as refusing to cooperate with federal authorities.
Those officials framed the operations as necessary to address public-safety and national-security concerns, arguing that some jurisdictions have repeatedly hindered arrests and cooperation. They warned that if local jails or officials do not permit federal arrests, agents will carry out arrests in the community or at work sites.
The federal posture comes alongside preparations for legal action against local governments that decline to assist federal enforcement. That litigation aims to compel cooperation or to seek remedies where federal officials say local policies obstruct immigration enforcement.
Local leaders and advocates criticized the raids as politically charged and disruptive to communities, while supporters of the enforcement actions described them as needed to remove dangerous actors. The exchange points to a continuing clash over jurisdiction, public safety, and immigration policy that is likely to play out in courtrooms and city streets in the weeks ahead.
“We’re going to get the bad guys, so if they don’t want to help, get out of the way,” a senior federal official said, underscoring a commitment to sustained operations despite local opposition.
