The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has urged California Governor Gavin Newsom to comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest detainers, which are requests for state and local authorities to transfer custody of criminal noncitizens to ICE.
According to DHS, there are currently 33,179 active ICE detainers for individuals identified as criminal illegal aliens in various prisons across California. Since January 20, 2025, the department reports that 4,561 individuals with these detainers have been released from jails into communities rather than being transferred to ICE. The offenses attributed to these individuals include homicide, assault, burglary, robbery, drug-related crimes, weapons offenses, and sexual predatory offenses.
DHS officials argue that not honoring these detainers puts both law enforcement officers and the public at risk. An incident on February 2, 2026 was cited by the agency: ICE officers attempted to arrest an individual released from Ventura County Jail after local authorities did not honor a detainer request. During the attempt outside the jail’s lobby, a group gathered and tried to block the arrest; one person physically assaulted an officer during this confrontation.
The individual in question had previously been arrested in March 2025 by Oxnard Police Department on drug possession charges but was released when another detainer was declined.
“We are calling on Governor Newsom and his administration to commit to honoring the ICE arrest detainers of the more than 33,000 criminal illegal aliens in California's custody. It is common sense and vital for public safety,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Criminal illegal aliens should not be released from jails back onto our streets to terrorize more innocent Americans. If we work together, we can make America safe again. 7 of the 10 safest cities in the U.S. cooperate with ICE law enforcement.”
DHS noted that Jorge Lopez Santos entered the United States legally in November 2021 under an H2-B visa but failed to leave when his authorization expired in August 2022.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated that federal law enforcement will continue their operations regardless of local policies: “you will not stop or slow us down. ICE and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law.”
Members of the public can report doxing or harassment against ICE officers through a dedicated phone line or online tip form.
