Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna revealed on July 17, 2025, that the U.S. Department of Justice has threatened him with federal charges if his department does not comply with requests to provide lists of suspected undocumented immigrants in county jails. The DOJ, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, is seeking names, criminal charges, and release dates to prioritize deportations, part of President Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown. Luna, speaking at a press conference, described receiving “threatening letters” warning of consequences, including potential prosecution, for non-compliance.
Luna emphasized that California’s sanctuary laws, specifically the California Values Act (SB 54), prohibit local law enforcement from sharing immigration status without a judicial warrant. He noted that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) does not collect citizenship data during booking, making the DOJ’s request “impossible” without overhauling their system. In 2024, LASD received 995 ICE detainer requests but complied with none, though 20 inmates were transferred to ICE custody in May and June 2025 under federal warrants for serious crimes like attempted murder and rape.
The DOJ’s push, which also targets counties like San Francisco, has sparked tension. Bondi stated that deporting “criminal illegal aliens” is a priority, with threats of subpoenas if sheriffs resist. Critics, including the ACLU, argue that complying could violate California law and the 10th Amendment, which limits federal overreach. Luna, whose family immigrated from Mexico, stressed maintaining community trust, urging residents not to fear reporting crimes.
The standoff highlights the clash between federal immigration goals and state sanctuary policies. As Trump’s administration ramps up deportations, Luna’s defiance underscores California’s resistance, setting the stage for a legal and political showdown.
