California sheriffs defy DOJ demand for noncitizen inmate records

On Jul. 17, 2025, the Justice Department asked multiple 🌴California sheriffs for lists of noncitizen inmates that included names, alleged crimes, and release dates. DOJ said it may use subpoenas or other compulsory process if sheriffs don't comply. News reports and DOJ statements covered the requests and their possible legal steps.

Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna and San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto publicly refused the DOJ requests. They said 🌴California's sanctuary laws bar local agencies from sharing immigration-status information with federal authorities. They also said protecting community trust and public safety guided their decision.

A previously reported figure of 850,000 records is unverified and should not be presented as fact. No DOJ press release or major news report confirmed that total. Coverage focused on the scope of the request and the possibility of compulsory legal action instead.

The sheriffs signaled they were willing to face federal legal action rather than hand over records. DOJ's statements made clear it could pursue compulsory process. That stance set up a likely court fight over federal power and local limits.

The dispute highlights a clash between state sanctuary laws and federal immigration enforcement. A court ruling from any legal challenge could set precedent on when local agencies must cooperate. Local trust policies aim to keep immigrant victims and witnesses willing to talk to police.

A legal outcome could change how other counties respond to similar DOJ requests. A ruling might clarify limits on federal subpoenas for local records. The case will shape federal-state relations on immigration enforcement for years.