Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche Warns California Leaders: ‘Stand Down or Face Prosecution’

U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has issued a stern warning to top California officials and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, cautioning them against interfering with federal immigration enforcement or threatening federal officers.

In a formal letter sent Thursday to Gov. Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, and Pelosi, Blanche emphasized that federal immigration agents are “lawfully executing their duties” and that any effort to obstruct them would be “illegal and futile.”

The sharp rebuke followed public statements from Pelosi and Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), who on Wednesday suggested that state officials could arrest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents if they violated California law during an anticipated immigration raid in the Bay Area.

Pelosi and Mullin accused the Trump administration of “abusing law enforcement power” through what they described as politically motivated mass deportations. “Reports of a planned mass immigration raid in the Bay Area are an appalling abuse of law enforcement power,” the two lawmakers said in a joint statement. “While the President may enjoy absolute immunity courtesy of his rogue Supreme Court, those who operate under his orders do not. The people of San Francisco will continue to stand with the patriotic immigrants who are the constant reinvigoration of America.”

A Swift Federal Response

Blanche, who serves as the nation’s second-highest law enforcement officer, responded swiftly to the remarks, taking to social media to make his position clear.

“We just sent them a letter: Stand down or face prosecution,” Blanche posted on X (formerly Twitter). “No one threatens our agents. No one will stop us from Making America Safe Again.”

The Department of Justice letter referenced several federal statutes that criminalize the assault, obstruction, or conspiracy against federal officers. Blanche also invoked the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, reminding California officials that state and local governments cannot prosecute federal officials acting within the scope of their lawful authority.

He further instructed the California leaders to “preserve all written and electronic communications and records related to any attempts or efforts to impede or obstruct federal law enforcement officials,” signaling that the Justice Department may initiate a broader investigation into the matter.

“The Department of Justice will investigate and prosecute any official who violates federal law by attempting to hinder our officers in the performance of their duties,” Blanche warned in the letter. “We urge you and other California officials to publicly abandon this apparent criminal conspiracy, to stop threatening law enforcement, and to prioritize the safety of your citizens.”

A Long-Running Feud Over Immigration

The exchange marks one of the most direct confrontations yet between the Trump administration and California’s Democratic leadership, whose long-running conflict over immigration policy has repeatedly tested the limits of federal and state authority.

California’s “sanctuary state” policies, which limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies, have long been a flashpoint for political tension. Trump officials argue that these policies undermine national security and allow dangerous individuals to evade deportation, while California leaders maintain that they protect immigrant communities and foster public trust.

The latest dispute centers on reports of a forthcoming federal operation targeting sanctuary jurisdictions accused of harboring criminal non-citizens. While federal officials have declined to confirm specifics, several outlets have reported that the Bay Area could be among the first regions to see stepped-up enforcement activity.

Political Fallout and Divided Reactions

Pelosi’s comments drew sharp criticism from conservative lawmakers and commentators, who accused her of inciting resistance to federal law and potentially encouraging obstruction of justice. “Pelosi is playing a dangerous game,” said one former Justice Department official. “Threatening to arrest federal agents isn’t just rhetoric — it borders on sedition.”

Supporters, however, framed Pelosi’s stance as a principled defense of California’s autonomy and a pushback against what they view as heavy-handed federal intrusion. Immigration rights advocates rallied behind her, arguing that the administration’s planned raids would traumatize families and further criminalize undocumented residents.

“California has the right to protect its people from unlawful or politically motivated actions by this administration,” said one advocacy group spokesperson. “Pelosi and local leaders are standing on the side of humanity.”

Waiting for California’s Response

As of Friday morning, neither Gov. Newsom’s office nor the California Attorney General’s office had issued a public response to Blanche’s warning. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins also remained silent on the matter, though a spokesperson for her office said they were “reviewing the correspondence from the Department of Justice.”

The Biden administration has not commented publicly on Blanche’s letter, leaving open questions about how aggressively federal authorities will pursue enforcement actions in California — or whether state officials will test Washington’s resolve.

For now, Blanche’s message is unmistakable: the Justice Department intends to assert federal authority over immigration enforcement, even in the face of political opposition from one of the nation’s most powerful Democratic strongholds.

“This is not a debate,” Blanche wrote in his closing statement. “Federal law is supreme, and our officers will do their jobs.”