It is well-established—through longstanding Supreme Court precedent—that the U.S. Constitution prevents the federal government from commandeering states to enforce federal laws,” the statement read. “While the federal government may use its own resources for federal immigration enforcement,

California successfully defended its so-called sanctuary state laws during the first Trump administration. Attorney General Rob Bonta said the state is prepared to do so again.

A memo from the acting deputy attorney general instructs officials to identify state and local laws and policies that “threaten to impede” the Trump administration's immigration efforts.

The Justice Department's new leadership directed prosecutors to potentially charge state or local officials who impede President Trump's immigration policies.