ICE and DHS are pressing California officials to stop releasing tens of thousands of criminal illegal immigrants with active ICE detainers. Federal officials argue sanctuary policies undermine public safety and block lawful transfers to ICE custody. Gov. Newsom disputes the claims, saying California still cooperates with federal enforcement in many cases. The dispute highlights ongoing legal and political battles over immigration enforcement.
ICE says California is holding 33,179 criminal illegal immigrants but risks releasing them due to sanctuary laws. Crimes include hundreds of homicides and sexual offenses. DHS warns Newsom’s policies endanger public safety. #ICE #California https://t.co/WoI76x1TdY pic.twitter.com/FpdnfsSO20
— Matthew Brady (@mattbrady775) February 8, 2026
- ICE and DHS urged California Gov. Gavin Newsom not to release 33,179 illegal immigrants with active ICE detainers into local communities.
- ICE said California jurisdictions currently hold detainees accused or convicted of 399 homicides, 3,313 assaults, 1,293 sexual offenses, and thousands of drug and weapons crimes.
- Since Jan. 20, 2026, California has released 4,561 criminal illegal immigrants despite ICE detainers, according to ICE.
- DHS accused California’s sanctuary policies (SB 54) of endangering public safety by limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
- Newsom defended the policy, claiming California has still cooperated with ICE in over 10,000 transfers during his governorship.
- ICE also emphasized the legality of administrative warrants, citing past federal court rulings supporting arrests of immigrants with final removal orders.
