States like California that are sheltering illegal immigrants responsible for causing the death of citizens could face the death penalty under federal law.
Sanctuary states, which restrict aid to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, are actively fighting to reject immigration law while their own constituents suffer the lawlessness that follows.
In California, for instance, policies enacted since 2017 limit local law enforcement’s ability to assist federal deportation efforts, contributing to rising crime rates and public safety concerns. This defiance leaves communities vulnerable to violence, as illegal immigrants with criminal histories remain unchecked, heightening the risk to American citizens.
Federal law under 8 U.S.C. § 1324 sets the legal base for this fight. It says any person who “knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that an alien has come to, entered, or remains in the United States in violation of law, conceals, harbors, or shields from detection, such alien in any place” faces punishment. If this leads to death, the law orders “punished by death or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, fined under title 18, or both.” This puts leaders like Newsom at risk.
(iii)
knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that an alien has come to, entered, or remains in the United States in violation of law, conceals, harbors, or shields from detection, or attempts to conceal, harbor, or shield from detection, such alien in any place, including any building or any means of transportation;
(iv)
encourages or induces an alien to come to, enter, or reside in the United States, knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that such coming to, entry, or residence is or will be in violation of law; or(v)
shall be punished as provided in subparagraph (B)…
(iv)in the case of a violation of subparagraph (A)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), or (v) resulting in the death of any person, be punished by death or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, fined under title 18, or both…”
Deaths from illegal aliens grow across the U.S. Murders, drunk driving, and other violent acts rise, sparking anger. Yet, “sanctuary city” governors like Newsom defy federal law. California’s rules since 2017 stop local police from aiding Immigration and Customs Enforcement, letting illegal aliens stay despite dangers.
— Ethan Fowler (@EthanFowler32) June 10, 2025
On Monday President Trump was asked on the White House lawn if Homan should arrest Newsom. Trump replied with, “I would do it if I was Tom, I think it’s great. Gavin likes the publicity, but I think it would be a great thing,” Trump continued:
“He’s done a terrible job, look– I like Gavin Newsom. He’s a nice guy, but he’s grossly incompetent. Everybody knows. All you have to do is look at the little railroad he’s building. It’s about a hundred times over budget. We’re putting a flagpole over there. Under budget. I always do under budget”
Many cases show Newsom and others break this federal law. They give illegal aliens lenient sentencing. This applies to murder or manslaughter charges. For example:
Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, a 43-year-old illegal from Mexico, killed 19-year-olds Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin in a 2021 drunk-driving crash on the 405 freeway in Orange County, California. Driving nearly 100 mph while drunk and high, he crashed into their car, causing their deaths by fire, he re-entered illegally.
Convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter, he got a 10-year sentence but faces release in July 2025 after 3.5 years due to parole. ICE issued a detainer, but California’s sanctuary laws question compliance. A new federal charge may add 20 years.
These events reveal a trend. Moreover, Newsom’s sanctuary rules enable such tragedies, fitting the law’s harboring definition. Other leaders with similar policies share this risk. Thus, Trump’s effort to hold Newsom accountable could widen, changing immigration enforcement.
