WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan said immigration enforcement will continue in Los Angeles and did not rule out arrests for California officials if they interfere with the administration’s efforts.
In an interview with NBC News on June 7, Homan said, “I’m telling you what, we’re going to keep enforcing law every day in L.A. Every day in L.A., we’re going to enforce immigration law. I don’t care if they like it or not.”
Trump had deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to quell the protests in Los Angeles, a move that was criticized by California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Both Newsom and Bass have argued it would only escalate tensions in the area.
Homan has previously warned that anyone who stands in the way of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations or harbors an undocumented immigrant would face consequences, such as arrest.
When asked whether Newsom or Bass could be subject to arrest if they hinder operations on the ground, Homan said, “I’ll say it about anybody. You cross that line, it’s a felony to knowingly harbor and conceal an illegal alien. It’s a felony to impede law enforcement doing their job.”
He added that he doesn’t think Bass has “crossed the line yet.” But if she does, he said, “we’ll ask DOJ to prosecute.”
The Department of Homeland Security said ICE operations have resulted in the arrests of 118 undocumented immigrants last week in Los Angeles, including five alleged gang members and others with criminal records for smuggling, drug trafficking and assault.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump border czar threatens arrests for impeding ICE raids
