Major ICE operation underway across California: ‘Go after anybody’

Published October 7, 2026 5:02pm ET | Updated October 7, 2026 5:02pm ET



EXCLUSIVE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has launched a month and a half-long immigration enforcement operation across the sanctuary state of California, going after both the “worst of the worst” and noncriminal illegal immigrants, according to sources familiar with the plan.

The crackdown, known internally as Operation Safe California, has not been publicly announced, but it began several days ago in and around San Diego, which borders Mexico, and is expected to last at least 45 days. ICE leadership has told officers to arrest all illegal immigrants they encounter, regardless of whether an individual has a criminal history.

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