The Department of Justice is putting California Democrats on notice. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a blunt warning Thursday to several state leaders — including Rep. Nancy Pelosi — telling them to “stand down or face prosecution” after public threats to arrest federal immigration agents.

The warning came after Pelosi suggested that San Francisco police could detain federal officers if they were found “violating state law” during Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. The statement immediately drew national backlash, with critics calling it a dangerous challenge to federal authority.

Blanche responded publicly, posting a copy of his letter on social media.

“California politicians want to arrest federal agents for enforcing federal law. We just sent them a letter: Stand down or face prosecution. No one threatens our agents. No one will stop us from Making America Safe Again,” Blanche wrote.

His letter was sent to California Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, and Pelosi herself. Blanche accused the group of encouraging local law enforcement to obstruct or arrest federal agents carrying out legal duties.

He made it clear that any such move would not only fail — it would be illegal.

“Any attempt to arrest federal agents would be considered both illegal and futile,” Blanche wrote. “Accordingly, you are hereby directed to preserve all written and electronic communications and records related to any attempts or efforts to impede or obstruct federal law enforcement officials.”

He urged the officials to abandon what he called an “apparent criminal conspiracy” and to stop threatening law enforcement.

“We urge you and other California officials to publicly abandon this apparent criminal conspiracy, to stop threatening law enforcement, and to prioritize the safety of your citizens,” Blanche wrote. “Federal agents and officers will continue to enforce federal law and will not be deterred by the threat of arrest by California authorities who have abdicated their duty to protect their constituents.”

Pelosi’s comments came a day earlier, when she responded to reports of upcoming ICE raids in the San Francisco area. In her statement, she called the planned enforcement actions an “appalling abuse of law enforcement power.”

“While the President may enjoy absolute immunity courtesy of his rogue Supreme Court, those who operate under his orders do not,” Pelosi wrote. “Our state and local authorities may arrest federal agents if they break California law — and if they are convicted, the President cannot pardon them.”

She claimed that San Francisco residents would “continue to stand with the patriotic immigrants who are the constant reinvigoration of America.”

Her comments appeared to echo local district attorney Brooke Jenkins, who reportedly developed a plan for how San Francisco police could arrest federal agents accused of using “excessive force.” The New York Times reported that Jenkins had already discussed the concept with local law enforcement, who agreed in principle to review bodycam footage of ICE operations and seek arrest warrants if they deemed the agents’ conduct unlawful.

The move follows a law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in September, banning face coverings for ICE agents and other law enforcement officers in California. The Trump administration immediately rejected the rule, stating it would not comply with state laws that undermine federal authority.

The Department of Justice’s warning letter effectively puts California’s top Democrats in check. It signals that any interference with federal law enforcement will trigger prosecution, not negotiation.

Bonta, Newsom, Pelosi, and Jenkins have not responded to the letter.

As tensions rise between state leaders and federal agencies, the standoff could become one of the most significant showdowns yet over immigration enforcement. For now, the DOJ’s message could not be clearer — federal law comes first.