Gavin Newsom Backs Off After Pam Bondi Goes After Sanctuary States [WATCH]

California Governor Gavin Newsom intends to veto legislation that would further limit state prison officials’ ability to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The proposed law, Assembly Bill 15 (AB 15), would expand the state’s existing “sanctuary” policies by restricting ICE’s access to certain inmates upon their release from prison.

A spokesperson for Newsom confirmed his planned veto if the bill passes, marking the second time he has rejected a similar proposal.

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Newsom has defended the state’s current sanctuary laws, arguing they strike a balance between maintaining trust with immigrant communities and allowing federal authorities to deport noncitizen felons upon completing their sentences.

Under California’s current policy, established by Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), state prison officials are permitted to coordinate with ICE to transfer custody of inmates convicted of felonies once they have completed their sentences.

State records show that since Newsom took office in 2019, approximately 10,600 inmates have been transferred from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to ICE custody.

Despite his opposition to AB 15, Newsom has emphasized that California’s prison system should still limit communication with federal immigration enforcement, ensuring ICE’s involvement is restricted to the beginning and end of an inmate’s sentence.

“ICE will determine how it will proceed with its enforcement of federal law,” Newsom stated.

AB 15, introduced by a Democratic lawmaker, seeks to extend sanctuary protections by further reducing cooperation between CDCR and ICE, potentially shielding additional inmates from deportation.

While California debates its sanctuary policies, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken legal action against New York and Illinois over their own immigration enforcement restrictions.

The DOJ is suing New York over its “Green Light Law,” which prohibits the Department of Motor Vehicles from sharing noncitizen data with federal law enforcement.

Similarly, Illinois faces a lawsuit over the Way Forward Act, the TRUST Act, the Welcoming City Act, and a local Chicago ordinance limiting interactions between the Chicago Police Department and ICE.

#BREAKING: AG Pam Bondi has just announced she has CHARGED NY Gov. Kathy Hochul and Letitia James for failing to enforce immigration law

THROW THEM IN HANDCUFFS AND LOCK THEM UP!

An example MUST be set! pic.twitter.com/EPsnyVxESj

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 12, 2025

California’s sanctuary policies previously withstood legal challenges during the Trump administration, reinforcing the state’s stance on limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Beyond California, other Democratic governors have addressed immigration enforcement issues.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has expressed support for the “apprehension of criminals” in her state, though she has not directly commented on California’s proposed legislation.

As the debate over sanctuary laws continues at both the state and federal levels, Newsom’s expected veto of AB 15 signals California’s commitment to maintaining its existing approach to immigration enforcement while drawing clear lines on when and how state officials interact with federal authorities.

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