The Trump admin is hard at work to implement the MAGA agenda. There’s a growing problem.
Because President Trump has received a letter at the White House that’s left his jaw on the floor.
California GOP Lawmakers Urge Trump to Back Off Of Immigration Agenda
Six Republican state legislators from California have written to President Donald Trump, requesting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) refrain from broad deportation operations and instead prioritize targeted enforcement against undocumented immigrants with criminal records. They also advocate for establishing a legal pathway for non-criminal undocumented individuals. The six Republicans have taken a stark step to counter the overwhelmingly popular anti-illegal immigration agenda from the Trump administration.
The lawmakers expressed concerns raised by employers in their districts, noting that recent ICE raids have caused anxiety not only among undocumented workers but also among legally documented employees. They have called on the administration to direct ICE and the Department of Homeland Security to focus enforcement efforts solely on individuals with criminal convictions, minimizing disruptive, large-scale raids that unsettle workplaces.
Among the signatories is state Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones from San Diego, who previously proposed legislation requiring California’s prisons and jails to share release dates with federal immigration authorities for inmates convicted of serious or violent felonies, or crimes that could be classified as either felonies or misdemeanors. This bill, which did not advance past committee, conflicted with California’s current laws that limit such cooperation to specific serious or violent offenses.
The legislators further pressed for comprehensive immigration reform, urging the administration to create a system that allows non-criminal undocumented immigrants with deep community ties to achieve legal status. They emphasized the need for a balanced approach that respects national sovereignty while addressing practical realities.
Citing the precedent set by President Ronald Reagan’s 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, which legalized about three million undocumented immigrants who had lived in the U.S. since before January 1, 1982, the lawmakers noted that no significant immigration overhaul has occurred in nearly four decades. They highlighted that the last Republican presidential candidate to win California was George H.W. Bush in 1988.
Additionally, the lawmakers called for expanding and simplifying the H-2A and H-2B visa programs to increase the availability of legal guest workers for industries such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality. The American Farm Bureau reported that 384,900 H-2A visas were issued for temporary agricultural workers, while the H-2B program, for non-agricultural temporary workers, is limited to 66,000 annually.
The letter was primarily authored by Sen. Suzette Valladares of Santa Clarita, joined by Sens. Brian Jones, Rosilicie Ochoa-Bogh of Yucaipa, and Assemblymembers Heath Flora of Ripon, Diane Dixon of Newport Beach, and Laurie Davies of Laguna Niguel.
Trump’s Anti-Illegal Immigration Agenda And Its Support
President Donald Trump’s anti-illegal immigration policies have consistently been a cornerstone of his political platform, drawing significant attention and varying levels of support across the United States. His agenda, which includes stricter border enforcement, mass deportation plans, and reforms to legal immigration pathways, has resonated with a sizable portion of the American public, particularly among Republican voters, but it also faces opposition from moderates, Democrats, and some within his own party, as evidenced by the California lawmakers’ letter.
Recent polling data from a November 2024 Rasmussen Reports survey indicated that 58% of likely U.S. voters supported Trump’s plan for large-scale deportation of undocumented immigrants, with 41% strongly favoring the policy. This suggests a strong base of public support, particularly among conservative voters who prioritize border security and immigration enforcement. However, the same poll showed 35% opposed, highlighting a polarized national sentiment.
Trump’s campaign promises, as detailed in posts on X, include deploying federal resources for what he describes as the “largest deportation operation in American history.” His rhetoric emphasizes prioritizing American jobs and safety, which appeals to voters concerned about economic competition and crime linked to illegal immigration. A 2024 Pew Research Center study found that 61% of Americans believe illegal immigration is a “very serious” or “somewhat serious” problem, further fueling Trump’s narrative.
Within the Republican Party, Trump enjoys robust support for his immigration stance. A 2025 Gallup poll reported that 85% of Republican voters approve of stricter border control measures, including increased deportations and enhanced border wall construction. High-profile conservative figures, such as Texas Governor Greg Abbott, have publicly endorsed Trump’s policies, with Abbott’s Operation Lone Star serving as a state-level model for aggressive border enforcement.
However, resistance exists even within Republican ranks, particularly in states like California with diverse economies and large immigrant populations. The letter from the six California GOP lawmakers reflects a pragmatic approach, acknowledging the economic contributions of undocumented workers while still advocating for law enforcement. This tension highlights a divide between hardline anti-immigration factions and moderates who seek reform that balances enforcement with economic needs.
