The federal government is once again focusing on California jails in a renewed immigration enforcement effort—this time under Operation Guardian Angel, a Trump administration initiative aimed at countering sanctuary state policies.
According to the Miami Herald, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, recently appointed to lead the Central District of California, announced the pilot program as a direct challenge to what he calls state-level “obstruction” of federal immigration laws. The initiative targets people with prior deportations who have returned to the U.S. and now face charges for illegal reentry, a federal crime.
“Under the Trump Administration we will not allow sanctuary jurisdictions to stand in the way of keeping the American People safe,” Essayli said on X (formerly Twitter), promoting the program’s launch.
A newly formed federal team is now scanning jail and prison records in real time to identify individuals who meet the criteria. Those found will be charged and potentially moved to federal custody.
Not a New Tactic—But a Renewed Strategy
While the prosecution of illegal reentry has been a long-standing tool under both the Bush and Obama administrations, it had slowed in recent years, particularly in states like California that enacted laws to limit cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). One key example is California’s 2018 decision to end 287(g) agreements, which had previously enabled local jail officials to act as immigration agents.
Immigration advocates praised those changes as helping rebuild trust with immigrant communities and reduce deportations for low-level offenses.
California Pushes Back—Within Limits
Despite the federal escalation, California state officials maintain they still cooperate with immigration enforcement where appropriate. State prisons continue to notify ICE in cases involving serious felony convictions and may transfer such individuals, but they are legally barred from holding people solely for immigration enforcement without a federal judicial warrant.
Legal and Logistical Concerns
Essayli’s strategy relies on federal warrants and the U.S. Attorney’s prosecutorial authority rather than partnerships with local law enforcement. His office claims it has already charged hundreds of individuals this year, but the pace of new arrests under Operation Guardian Angel has recently slowed, according to the Miami Herald.
Legal experts warn the surge in prosecutions could overwhelm federal courts, detention centers, and immigration dockets—raising questions about the sustainability and effectiveness of the crackdown.
As the Trump administration intensifies its immigration policies heading into election season, Operation Guardian Angel marks a sharp shift toward aggressive federal enforcement in defiance of local sanctuary laws.
