Senator Alex Padilla Emphasises California’s Constitutional Duty to Avoid Assisting Federal Immigration Actions

California has made it clear it will not support President Trump’s mass deportation plans, with Senator Alex Padilla stating that the state is legally unable to do so. In an appearance on CBS’s Face the Nation, Padilla, a Democrat, explained that no state in the country holds the constitutional authority to enforce federal immigration laws. He stressed that immigration enforcement is solely the responsibility of the federal government, not state authorities.

Trump’s plan to use the military to aid in mass deportations has drawn criticism, even from some Republicans. In response, Padilla asserted, “Let the federal government handle its duties, and let state and local officials focus on their own responsibilities.” He added that if Trump sought conflict, it would be of his own making.

Padilla also referenced a 2017 California law, Senate Bill 54, which prohibits the use of state and local resources in immigration enforcement. This legislation blocks cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Despite pressure from figures like Tom Homan, Trump’s former border czar, Padilla affirmed that California would not comply with any requests to assist federal deportation efforts.

The senator also pointed to Texas as an example of a state willing to challenge federal policy, citing Republican Governor Greg Abbott’s stance on border security. Abbott has argued that if the federal government fails to protect the border, Texas should step in.

While Padilla and California leaders remain firm in their opposition, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Governor Gavin Newsom have both expressed strong commitments to ensuring the safety and rights of immigrants within the state, reaffirming California’s resistance to Trump’s policies.

In a broader context, Padilla voiced concerns over Trump’s antagonistic approach towards California, highlighting the president’s efforts to withhold federal aid from the state following its refusal to support him during the election. “We’re trying to protect ourselves from these types of threats,” Padilla concluded.