DOJ Warns Pelosi California Officials Against Arresting Federal ICE Agents

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders, including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, have publicly threatened to arrest or hold accountable federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents if they enforce immigration laws in California and Illinois, citing alleged violations of state laws. Pelosi and Rep. Kevin Mullin stated that local authorities could arrest federal agents if they break California law and emphasized that the President cannot pardon them if convicted. In response, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and other top Justice Department officials issued stern warnings to Pelosi, Gov. Gavin Newsom, and others to stand down or face prosecution, affirming that arresting federal agents performing their official duties is illegal and futile. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli echoed these warnings, emphasizing that threats or actions against federal agents will not be tolerated and can result in arrest. The DOJ also cautioned against disclosing the identities of federal agents to protect their safety amid rising political tensions. This confrontation highlights the escalating conflict between federal immigration enforcement and progressive state officials resisting those efforts.