Editorials & Other Articles

In recent weeks, California has seen the invasion of a rogue force, that is acting illegally in many cases. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is authorized to investigate cases of suspected illegal immigration. California is committed to cooperating with ICE in that mission, so long as ICE operates 100% within all state and Federal laws, and remains within their purview of immigration violations. California does not recognize ICE personnel for any other purpose within our state. They are not a general police force, and will not be permitted to masquerade as such. Effective immediately, any acts of intimidation, assault, terrorism, impersonation of police officers or any other illegal behavior on the part of ICE agents will be dealt with swiftly and any individuals violating California's laws will be prosecuted vigorously. We will simply not permit a Gestapo-style gang to run wild -- not within California.

Further, I will be meeting with our legislative leaders early next week to begin writing new legislation that codifies the rights of every California resident with regard to agencies such as ICE. This legislation must include, at minimum, the requirement that every agent may conduct their responsibilities dressed in clearly recognized agency uniforms that prominently identify the agency and the agent. No agents will be permitted to wear any devices or clothing that hides their identity, and all actions must be accompanied with court-issued warrants that specifically identify the suspects and their alleged violations. We will not permit warrant-less sweeps and we will not permit abduction or arrest of California residents without due process.