Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche accused a governor and a mayor of actively encouraging actions that obstruct Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, calling such conduct illegal under federal law and saying elected officials should be supporting, not undermining, federal officers.
Blanche made the remarks while addressing what he described as public statements and actions by state and local leaders that he said have encouraged individuals to interfere with ICE agents as they carry out their duties.
He said federal law is clear that officers must be allowed to perform their jobs without interference, regardless of who is doing the obstructing.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche accused a governor and a mayor of actively encouraging actions that obstruct Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, calling such conduct illegal under federal law and saying elected officials should be supporting, not undermining, federal officers.
Blanche made the remarks while addressing what he described as public statements and actions by state and local leaders that he said have encouraged individuals to interfere with ICE agents as they carry out their duties.
He said federal law is clear that officers must be allowed to perform their jobs without interference, regardless of who is doing the obstructing.
“You saw the governor and the mayor actively encouraging, encouraging criminals to go out on the street and impede ICE that is not allowed under our law,” Blanche said.
“When a Federal officer is out doing their job, they have to be allowed to do their jobs.”
Blanche said the Justice Department found it necessary to confront the situation directly because of what he characterized as a breakdown in support from state and local leadership.
He said it was troubling that federal officials had to intervene to address the conduct of elected leaders.
Hellbound and Down 