Sen. Alex Padilla Vows to Shield California from Trump’s Deportation Plans

California Senator Alex Padilla has pledged to protect the state’s resources from being used in President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportation efforts, emphasizing that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. Speaking on CBS’ Face the Nation Sunday, Padilla underscored California’s constitutional stance on resisting federal overreach in immigration policies.

Federal vs. State Authority

“There’s an important distinction here. No state’s government—Texas, California, or any other—has the constitutional authority to impose federal immigration law. That is the responsibility of the federal government,” Padilla, a Democrat, told guest host Major Garrett.

Trump has vowed to declare a national emergency to enable military-led mass deportations, a plan met with opposition from Democrats and some Republicans. Padilla stressed the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between federal and state jurisdictions.

“Let the federal government do the federal government’s job, but let state and local officials do their job. There doesn’t have to be a conflict unless that’s what Trump wants,” Padilla said.

California’s Stance on Immigration Enforcement

California’s Senate Bill 54, passed in 2017, prohibits state and local law enforcement from assisting in federal immigration enforcement. This law could set the stage for potential clashes with Trump’s administration. Recently, incoming border czar Tom Homan warned that local law enforcement officers who fail to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could face federal prosecution.

Padilla made it clear that California would not compromise. “California will not utilize state and local resources to do the federal government’s job for them,” he said, adding that states like Texas might choose to assist but are under no obligation to do so.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has argued that the state has the right to take border control measures if federal efforts fall short. For instance, Texas has installed razor wire along its border with Mexico, a move Padilla called unnecessary and unconstitutional.

California Leaders Push Back

Senator Padilla isn’t the only California official speaking out against Trump’s immigration plans. California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas has committed to ensuring that immigrants feel safe and supported in the state. Governor Gavin Newsom has also vowed to lead resistance efforts on multiple fronts, including immigration.

“California is the most populous state in the nation, the most diverse, and home to more immigrants than any other state,” Padilla said. “The last thing you want is immigrants who are victims of crime afraid to report those crimes, or witnesses hesitant to share vital information with law enforcement.”

Trump’s History with California

Beyond immigration, Padilla voiced concerns about Trump’s broader relationship with California. “Donald Trump has made it no secret he has it in for California,” Padilla said, referencing instances where Trump allegedly withheld FEMA funds from California families as political retaliation.

“If the federal government will continue to support California in its leadership and policy innovations, there’s a lot of good work to be done,” Padilla added. “But California won’t back down from defending its values, its residents, and its role as a leader in the nation.”

Looking Ahead

As Trump prepares to assume office, California’s leadership is positioning itself as a bulwark against federal policies they see as harmful to the state’s residents and values. For Senator Padilla and others, the fight is as much about protecting immigrants as it is about preserving California’s autonomy.

Stay tuned to The Arias Journal for more updates on California’s response to national policies and its ongoing role in shaping America’s future.