City officials are reacting to the Trump administration’s lawsuit targeting sanctuary policies in California. One of them is also directly in the crosshairs. While announcing the suit in Sacramento yesterday, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions cited Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf’s public alert about impending ICE raids as evidence of the lawlessness and defiance he says runs rampant in California.
“How dare you,” Sessions exclaimed. “How dare you needlessly endanger the lives of our law enforcement officers to promote a radical open borders agenda.”
“How dare you vilify members of our community by trying to frighten the American public into thinking that all undocumented residents are dangerous criminals,” the mayor responded.
We have a few more reactions from local leaders below.
It's outrageous that @AGJeffBSessions would sue California. So much for states' rights. @LibbySchaaf, we have your back!
— Jesse Arreguin (@JesseArreguin) March 7, 2018
1/3 Attorney General Jeff Sessions is either unaware or unconcerned about the damage and rift that is created when you attack our immigrant community.
— Michael Tubbs (@MichaelDTubbs) March 7, 2018
2/3 In Stockton, our public safety officials have spent years developing a trusting relationship with our immigrant community, in hopes that everyone in our city feels safe reporting criminal activity.
— Michael Tubbs (@MichaelDTubbs) March 7, 2018
3/3 Actions taken by this administration will only weaken our efforts, at the local level, to keep our streets safe.
— Michael Tubbs (@MichaelDTubbs) March 7, 2018
AG Jeff Sessions' attack on our immigrant communities & residents is just another attempt for them to further their fear based and divisive agenda.
— Mark Farrell (@MarkFarrellSF) March 7, 2018
San Francisco stands united with our immigrants.
We will remain a #SanctuaryCity. pic.twitter.com/EKCZDPdKdb
Farrell went even further in a public appearance, calling the attorney general a “moron.” Gov. Brown also taunted the president yesterday, saying that Special Counsel Robert Mueller appears to be “closing in.”
The state is now gearing up for Trump’s first visit to the Golden State as president next week. This ought to be lively.