Leavitt criticizes Gavin Newsom over release of jailed illegal immigrants

WASHINGTON, DC: Karoline Leavitt escalated the administration’s clash with California leaders, accusing Governor Gavin Newsom of undermining public safety by declining to honor federal immigration detainers.

The criticism followed a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) update outlining the release of thousands of individuals with criminal histories from local custody despite active Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requests. “Why is Gavin Newsom doing this?” Leavitt wrote on X, signaling mounting frustration inside the administration over California’s sanctuary policies.

Thousands of criminal releases reported

The dispute intensified after Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, sent a letter this week to California Attorney General Rob Bonta outlining enforcement figures tied to the state.

Lyons said California policies have resulted in the release of 4,561 noncitizens with criminal charges or convictions since January 20, 2026, despite federal detainers. According to ICE data cited in the letter, those cases include individuals connected to 31 homicide convictions and more than 1,200 sexual offense cases.

Lyons argued that declining cooperation limits ICE’s ability to take custody of individuals in jails and forces agents to pursue arrests in the community. He described the approach as a public safety risk and said the department would continue requesting compliance from state authorities.

Newsom fires back with racism allegations

Newsom rejected the administration’s claims and countered with criticism of Donald Trump’s online conduct. The governor highlighted a video Trump shared on Truth Social that depicted former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as monkeys, calling it “disgusting” and accusing the White House of using controversy to distract from policy disputes.

“You and Karolyin’ are working overtime today to distract,” Newsom wrote on social media. He added that California continues to coordinate with federal authorities in cases involving violent offenders, including individuals convicted of serious crimes such as r*pe and murder.

The governor’s office emphasized that the state seeks to balance cooperation with protecting the legal rights of its residents.

DHS targets ‘sanctuary calamity’

DHS officials said enforcement efforts will continue despite state resistance. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the department remains focused on removing individuals accused or convicted of serious offenses.

The agency reported that more than 33,000 noncitizens in California currently have active ICE detainers, including suspected gang members. Leavitt and DHS leadership said “Metro Surge” operations will proceed to locate and arrest targets in the field when jail transfers are not permitted.

Federal officials argue that cooperation would allow safer, more controlled custody transfers rather than community-based arrests.