California Attorney General Xavier Becerra (D), a Democrat and son of Mexican immigrants, is contemplating whether or not to bring legal action against the Trump administration for various immigration-related policies. Specifically, Becerra wants to sue the administration over using tear gas against the Central American caravan riders who rushed the border; the potential for a border shutdown; and separating illegal alien children from their parents.
“We have been approached by folks who have expressed complaints,” Becerra told Reuters.“We are monitoring what’s occurring.”
The reason Becerra is merely "contemplating" at this point? California does not have jurisdiction over the southern border. Immigration policies and what occurs at the border are federal powers, not state powers.
Becerra even admitted that the only way California can insert itself into the discussion is if residents are impacted.
“I can’t act unless the rules are on our side,” he said.
As Attorney General, Becerra has spoke out against Trump's policies and filed numerous lawsuits against the Trump administration. Specifically, California has lead the charge against the president's hard-line immigration policies.
These are just a few:
Today, we joined a letter expressing serious concerns with requirements that have delayed & prevented the placement of unaccompanied migrant children w/ family members who wish to serve as their sponsors. pic.twitter.com/5gU18A4FOy
— Xavier Becerra (@AGBecerra) November 15, 2018
We're calling on Acting US AG @MattWhitaker46 to recuse himself from the #MuellerInvestigation to maintain the public’s trust in @TheJusticeDept. https://t.co/dUjKIBlk3H #ProtectMueller pic.twitter.com/dQVjXeZLiW
— Xavier Becerra (@AGBecerra) November 8, 2018
Today’s decision is a tremendous victory for our young immigrant Dreamers and the Rule of Law. This fight, of course, is far from over. We will continue to #defendDreamers and #DACA all the way to the #SCOTUS if necessary. https://t.co/QnR9I2Z50c pic.twitter.com/ioDhxccwBt
— Xavier Becerra (@AGBecerra) November 8, 2018
We’re leading 18 Attorneys General opposing @RealDonaldTrump’s proposal to roll back protections for children held in immigrant detention facilities.
— Xavier Becerra (@AGBecerra) November 7, 2018
The proposed rule cruelly prolongs children’s confinement and endangers their mental & physical health. https://t.co/Q0NoEeqOqA pic.twitter.com/Pp1FykHHJR
The Trump Administration continues their effort to undermine California law that protects our communities as we see fit. And we will continue to defend our constitutional authority to keep our communities safe. https://t.co/6OAFPvV4mg pic.twitter.com/UE30eQz4mo
— Xavier Becerra (@AGBecerra) November 6, 2018
We've filed comments against the #Trump Administration's misguided #DirtyPowerPlan proposal that benefits corporate polluters at the expense of everyone else. @realdonaldtrump is callously selling out our children's future and I demand he withdraw it immediately. pic.twitter.com/iDTxD86QrS
— Xavier Becerra (@AGBecerra) November 1, 2018
California is continuing to support challenges to Trump’s discriminatory and regressive ban on #TransTroops serving openly in our military. Targeting qualified, capable, and courageous people who risk their lives for us is unpatriotic and unconstitutional. https://t.co/hIDhcOJtb6 pic.twitter.com/sPcxiKsxGH
— Xavier Becerra (@AGBecerra) October 30, 2018
Just filed: On behalf of our coalition of 21 Attorneys General and 5 cities, we have submitted comment to @NHTSAGov and @EPA on their proposed rollback of our National #CleanCarStandards. Their plan is riddled with errors and based on faulty assumptions. pic.twitter.com/fNFFUxCka1
— Xavier Becerra (@AGBecerra) October 26, 2018
What will Becerra's next lawsuit against the Trump administration be?