Trump-Appointed Prosecutor Bill Essayli Promises to 'Dismantle' California's Sanctuary State Status

Republican California Assemblyman Bill Essayli has been appointed by President Donald Trump to lead a team of prosecutors for the Central District of California, sparking waves of political contention. Essayli wasted no time outlining his agenda, pledging to "dismantle" California's sanctuary state protections for illegal immigrants. This move, if successful, would upend the state's longstanding status as a haven for undocumented individuals.

In a phone interview, Essayli expressed his determination to restore trust in the Department of Justice, stating, "The Justice Department has been weaponized and politicized in recent years. The President has made it clear that we’re going to reinstate trust in law enforcement and the justice system." His comments signal a dramatic shift in tone and priorities for the department.

Essayli's appointment comes as no surprise to those familiar with his political career. Known for his fiery clashes with Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, he has consistently criticized California's policies on wildfire management, public safety, reparations, and parental rights in schools. His stance against sanctuary state protections sets the stage for a high-profile battle with Newsom, who previously allocated $50 million to defend illegal immigrants in California.

"We’re going to go after transnational organizations designated as terrorist groups, tackle criminal illegal immigration, and dismantle sanctuary state protections," Essayli emphasized. He also hinted at plans to address public corruption, an area he believes has been neglected for too long.

When asked whether Governor Newsom had reached out to him following his appointment, Essayli chuckled and replied, "No, we don’t talk." If that doesn’t summarize the icy relationship between these two political heavyweights, I don’t know what does.

Essayli’s career has been marked by notable achievements and controversies. As an assemblyman, he introduced Assembly Bill 844, aiming to restrict biological males from competing in girls' sports—a measure rejected by the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. Essayli argued that the bill was a compliance issue with Title IX, saying California schools risk losing billions in federal funding without changes.

Resigning his assemblyman post to take on the federal role, Essayli was sworn in as U.S. attorney on Wednesday morning. His office serves over 20 million residents across several Southern California counties and boasts a staff of more than 250 lawyers. With prior experience as a federal prosecutor and deputy district attorney, Essayli is no stranger to high-stakes cases, including the 2015 San Bernardino terrorist attack and a significant opioid prescription investigation.

His nomination as U.S. attorney still requires Senate confirmation, but Trump has exercised his authority to appoint Essayli on an interim basis. As the dust settles, all eyes will be on California to see how Essayli’s tenure unfolds. With promises to shake up the status quo, one thing is clear—he’s ready to make waves.