In an escalating conflict over federal immigration enforcement, Attorney General Pam Bondi has directed Nancy Pelosi and San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to “preserve all communications” after their controversial remarks suggesting local authorities might prosecute federal immigration officials working within California.
Pelosi and Jenkins’ statements imply a readiness to hold federal agents accountable should they be found in violation of state law. Specifically, in San Francisco, they believe local authorities have the power to prosecute or even “arrest” these agents if deemed necessary.
“California law is designed to protect communities and restrict federal actions that we’ve seen in other states. While the President may think he’s above accountability thanks to his supportive Supreme Court, his subordinates are not immune from prosecution. Our state and local authorities have every right to arrest federal agents who violate our laws—convictions would block any presidential pardon.”
In a subsequent New York Times interview, Jenkins elaborated on the philosophical case for intervention, underscoring a duty to protect citizens if federal agents overstep their remit through actions such as “clear, excessive force.”
During a heated dialogue with Jesse Watters, Bondi criticized both Pelosi and Jenkins for what she categorically labeled as “criminal interference” with federal operations.
“Disclosing any identifying information about federal agents, including their addresses, is unacceptable,” Bondi asserted. “Pelosi and Jenkins received a letter today from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche instructing them to preserve all related emails and documents. Their attempt to encourage the arrest of ICE officers is a direct obstruction of justice, and they should prepare to face serious legal repercussions.”
She continued:
“We are committed to safeguarding our federal agents, who tirelessly work—especially during government shutdowns—to keep Californians secure. Meanwhile, Pelosi’s instigation to disrupt their missions is unacceptable. We are now also opening investigations into her actions and those of the district attorney.”
VIEW THE DISCUSSION:
BREAKING: Attorney General Pam Bondi has just ORDERED NANCY PELOSI to “PRESERVE HER EMAILS” after she ORDERED ICE to be ARRESTED @PamBondi: “You are impeding an investigation, and we will charge you. If they think I won’t, they have not met me.” pic.twitter.com/l79LRwQNwP
— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) October 24, 2025
On Thursday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed via a formal missive that the Department of Justice had issued stern warnings to California leaders—including Governor Gavin Newsom—against any attempts to arrest or obstruct federal officers enforcing immigration regulations.
The letter articulated:
“Federal agents, officers, and prosecutors work tirelessly every day to advance the public safety mission as designated by federal leadership. Even amid a government shutdown, they willingly place themselves at risk to maintain the security of Americans. California’s political figures, including U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi and DA Brooke Jenkins, have instead chosen to incite state and local law enforcement to ‘arrest’ federal agents for faithfully executing federal laws.”
The Department of Justice deems any attempt to detain federal agents while they perform their official duties as not only illegal but also ineffective.
Federal statutes are in place specifically prohibiting any interference with immigration or law enforcement operations. Relevant provisions include 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(A)(iii) (harboring illegal aliens), 18 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1) (assaulting or impeding federal officials), and 18 U.S.C. § 1505 (obstructing agency proceedings).
Moreover, the Supremacy Clause of Article VI of the Constitution ensures that federal officers cannot be prosecuted under state criminal laws for actions performed in their official capacity (see Clifton v. Cox, 549 F.2d 722 (9th Cir. 1977)).
The Department of Justice stands ready to investigate and prosecute any offending state or local officials who violate these laws or collude to contravene them.
As such, we hereby mandate the retention of all written and electronic communications pertinent to any efforts to obstruct federal law enforcement actions.
We implore California officials to renounce this apparent conspiracy against law enforcement, cease their menacing conduct, and prioritize the safety of their constituents.
In the interim, federal agents will persist in enforcing laws without hesitation, undeterred by threats of arrest from California officials who appear to have lost their commitment to public safety.
California politicians want to arrest federal agents for enforcing federal laws.
We just sent them a letter: Stand down or face prosecution.
No one threatens our agents. No one will prevent us from Making America Safe Again. pic.twitter.com/xe0EK8QssO— Todd Blanche (@DAGToddBlanche) October 23, 2025
