The Justice Department is asking California officials to recuse themselves from a “clear criminal conspiracy” to arrest ICE agents

The Justice Department warned California officials on Thursday, including… Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-California)Against engaging in an “apparent criminal conspiracy” to arrest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued the letter to Pelosi, Gov. Gavin Newsom, state Attorney General Rob Bonta and San Francisco District Attorney Brock Jenkins after the former House Speaker suggested on Wednesday that local police could ICE agents arrested If they violate state laws while conducting immigration enforcement operations.

“Instead of supporting and working with federal law enforcement professionals, California politicians, including U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi and San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, have called on state and local law enforcement officials to ‘arrest’ federal agents and officers for enforcing federal laws enacted by the U.S. Congress, including immigration laws.” Federalism.” Blanche wrote In his message.

He added, “The Department of Justice considers any arrests of federal agents and officers in the performance of their official duties illegal and futile.” “Numerous federal laws prohibit interfering with or obstructing immigration or other law enforcement operations.”

Blanche said the Justice Department “will investigate and prosecute any state or local official” who violates federal laws or directs or conspires with others to violate them.

The Deputy Attorney General also ordered California officials to “preserve all written and electronic communications and records relating to any attempts or efforts to obstruct or impede federal law enforcement officials.”

“We urge you and other California officials to publicly disavow this clear criminal conspiracy, stop threatening law enforcement, and prioritize the safety of your citizens,” Blanche continued. “In the meantime, federal agents and officers will continue to enforce federal law and will not be deterred by the threat of arrest by California authorities who have abdicated their duty to protect their constituents.”

Amid reports of planned ICE raids in the Bay Area, Pelosi and Rep. Kevin Mullen (D-Calif.) issued a… Joint statement Claiming that California law “prevents federal agents from taking certain actions.”

“While the President may enjoy absolute immunity courtesy of a rogue Supreme Court, those serving under his orders do not,” the lawmakers wrote. “Our state and local authorities may arrest federal agents if they violate California law — and if they are convicted, the president cannot pardon them.”

Pelosi’s office did not immediately respond to the newspaper’s request for comment.

“Stand down or face prosecution,” Blanche to caution On X. “No one threatens our agents. No one will stop us from making America safe again.”