Trump ally Stephen Miller's far-right legal group is threatening California officials with possible prison time if they continue with "sanctuary" policies, reported CalMatters on Friday.
The letter, sent out by America First Legal two days before Christmas, is directed specifically at the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
"Federal law is clear: aliens unlawfully present in the United States are subject to removal from the country, and it is a crime to conceal, harbor, or shield them," stated the letter. "It is also a crime to prevent federal officials from enforcing immigration law. These laws were duly enacted by the people’s elected representatives. Under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, they are the law of the land and supersede any State or local laws to the contrary. In our democratic republic, all State and local officials must comply with them."
In the organization's letter, it threatened that the penalty for concealing, harboring or shielding illegal immigrants is "five years’ imprisonment per alien involved."
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Contrary to America First Legal's claim, experts say sanctuary cities and states are not breaking any laws by refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. State and local officials could theoretically violate federal law if they conceal immigrants from arrest or obstruct federal agents trying to arrest them. Most of these jurisdictions' policies don't extend beyond simply refusing to assist in such arrests or investigations.
But Miller's group is not alone in making such threats.
Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement who is now serving as Trump's main adviser on border policy, has repeatedly issued threats to arrest Democratic leaders who resist Trump's mass deportation plans. And Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC) even suggested that if California Gov. Gavin Newsom doesn't back off a proposal to create resource programs for targeted immigrant communities, the state should be stripped of federal funding altogether.
America First Legal has become infamous for promoting far-right causes, including suing to block diversity policies around the country, alleging they discriminate against white people, and legal challenges to policies expanding access to the vote.
