ICE Launches 45-Day Deportation Push in California
ICE deploys 250 officers to California in 45-day operation targeting illegal immigrants amid sanctuary state tensions.
2 min read
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has deployed more than 250 officers from across the country to California, a sanctuary state, as part of a 45-day operation targeting illegal immigrants, regardless of criminal history. The effort, dubbed ‘Operation Safe California,’ began in San Diego and is also underway in Los Angeles County, with plans to expand across the state as raids continue.
Sanctuary Policies Drive Targeting
California’s sanctuary policies, which restrict cooperation with ICE, have prompted the federal agency to intensify its efforts. One source described the operation as ‘all hands on deck,’ emphasizing the state’s role as a refuge for undocumented immigrants, allowing them to leave local jails without being transferred to federal immigration custody.
Homeland Security sources confirmed the deployment, noting the operation’s focus on removing illegal immigrants, even those without criminal records. However, the directive faced a reversal shortly after The Daily Wire reported on the orders, with DHS giving ICE officers the green light to arrest illegal immigrants regardless of their criminal history.
New Guidance on Traffic Stops
ICE recently issued new guidance on traffic stops, requiring all officers to undergo specialized training before pulling over vehicles. The memo instructed officers not to pursue drivers who refuse to pull over, emphasizing safety and procedural compliance. ‘Under no circumstances are ERO officers authorized to engage in vehicle pursuits or vehicle maneuvers for vehicles that fail to pull over,’ the order stated.
Instead, officers were directed to obtain accurate vehicle and occupant information, as well as the direction of travel, for further investigation. Sources within DHS indicated that officers are under pressure to increase arrests, working six to seven days a week ahead of the November midterms.
Operational Security and Legal Context
A DHS spokesperson stated that ICE will not disclose or discuss law enforcement operations to protect ‘operational security and the safety of our officers.’ The spokesperson also reiterated that ‘every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country, including in California.’
The operation follows a directive for ICE officers to stop arresting illegal immigrants without criminal records, which was quickly reversed. This shift highlights the growing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and states with sanctuary policies, as well as the political context of the upcoming midterms.
Source: Daily Wire
