America First Legal, a conservative advocacy group founded by Stephen Miller, incoming deputy chief of staff for policy under President-elect Donald Trump, is intensifying efforts to hold sanctuary cities and states accountable for defying federal immigration laws. The group has sent 249 letters to officials in areas with sanctuary policies, warning them against obstructing federal immigration authorities.
Among the recipients of the letters are Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, and other prominent figures in cities and states known for their sanctuary policies. The letters highlight statements like California AG Bonta’s December 4, 2024, declaration that the state will not enforce federal immigration laws, encouraging other California jurisdictions to follow suit.
In one of the letters sent to Bonta, America First Legal accuses him of deliberately violating federal law, stating, “This rhetoric illustrates the State’s intent to blatantly violate federal law.” The group warns that such actions expose state and local officials to criminal and civil liability.
In addition to the letters, the group has launched a website, “Sanctuary Strongholds,” providing detailed information on sanctuary jurisdictions and contact information for officials. They also track crimes committed by illegal aliens and are filing information requests with local governments to expose officials who may be hindering federal immigration enforcement.
America First Legal’s senior counsel, James Rogers, emphasized the legal stakes, asserting that sanctuary policies undermine the rule of law and the Constitution. The group, alongside Trump’s border czar Tom Homan, is calling for strict accountability, with Homan warning that local officials could face legal consequences if they continue to obstruct federal immigration efforts.
