Federal prosecutors fight against California Sanctuary policies

Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles have found a way to fight California’s Sanctuary laws.

The program, called “Operation Guardian Angel,” targets undocumented immigrants held in Southern California county jails. 

The program, which began May 10, has resulted in the arrest of 13 defendants on federal charges as of last Thursday, prosecutors said.

"Even the worst criminal aliens in state custody are frequently released into the community because California's sanctuary state policies block cooperation with federal law enforcement," U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement. "These laws effectively render federal immigration detainers meaningless. The days of giving criminal illegal aliens a free pass are over. While California may be presently disregarding detainers, it cannot ignore federal arrest warrants."

Essayli was appointed last month by the U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. According to Patch.com, Essayli's office did not clarify how jailed inmates who allegedly reentered the country illegally would be identified.

The Trump administration has faced several courts as they determine what rights do undocumented immigrants have and whether they deserve due process. 

The Supreme Court stopped the administration on Friday from sending Venezuelans to El Salvador.

Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem gave an incorrect answer in front of Congress members when asked what habeas corpus was. 

Habeas Corpus is the right that people in the U.S. have as protection from illegal imprisonment. Noem responded incorrectly it was the right Trump has to deport people. 

An immigration detainer is a request from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement asking a federal, state or local law enforcement agency -- including jails, prisons or other confinement facilities -- to notify the requesting agency as early as possible before releasing a removable undocumented immigrant, and to hold the person for up to 48 hours beyond the scheduled release time so the U.S. Department of Homeland Security can assume custody under federal immigration law.

A release from the U.S. Attorney's Office  said the goal of “Operation Guardian Angel” is "to neutralize -- as far as possible -- California's sanctuary state policy and make our community safer."

The Central District of California -- composed of the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura -- is home to an estimated 1.5 million undocumented immigrants, according to federal prosecutors.

Additional reporting by City News Service.