It is well-established—through longstanding Supreme Court precedent—that the U.S. Constitution prevents the federal government from commandeering states to enforce federal laws,” the statement read. “While the federal government may use its own resources for federal immigration enforcement,

California successfully defended its so-called sanctuary state laws during the first Trump administration. Attorney General Rob Bonta said the state is prepared to do so again.

The DOJ instructed prosecutors to pursue criminal charges against officials obstructing federal immigration enforcement.