California Law Enforcement Agencies Assisting Feds with Immigration Enforcement

Investigation finds UC San Diego Police and others getting DHS funds to help Border Patrol despite state's sanctuary laws

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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An investigation has uncovered that numerous law enforcement agencies in California, including the UC San Diego Police Department, are receiving funding from the Department of Homeland Security to assist federal immigration enforcement efforts, despite the state's 2017 sanctuary laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Why it matters

This revelation raises concerns about potential violations of California's sanctuary laws, which were enacted to limit state and local law enforcement's involvement in federal immigration enforcement. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration priorities and state/local policies aimed at protecting immigrant communities.

The details

The investigation by CalMatters, a nonpartisan news organization, found that many California police agencies are part of Operation Stonegarden, a DHS program that provides funding to local law enforcement to help with border security and immigration enforcement. This includes the UC San Diego Police Department, which reportedly helps monitor the coastline for smuggling activity.

  • The investigation by CalMatters was published on February 13, 2026.

The players

UC San Diego Police Department

A law enforcement agency that receives funding from the Department of Homeland Security to assist with border patrol operations, despite California's sanctuary laws.

Phoebe Huss

A student reporter who works for CalMatters and uncovered the investigation into California law enforcement agencies participating in Operation Stonegarden.

CalMatters

A nonpartisan and nonprofit news organization that conducted the investigation into California law enforcement agencies assisting federal immigration enforcement efforts.

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What they’re saying

“Despite California's refusal to help federal agencies crack down on illegal immigration, an investigation has discovered that many law enforcement agencies in the state are getting money from the Department of Homeland Security to assist with border patrol operations.”

— Salvador Rivera, Author (wane.com)

What’s next

The investigation raises questions about whether the California law enforcement agencies' participation in Operation Stonegarden violates the state's sanctuary laws, and whether further action will be taken to address this issue.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement priorities and state/local policies aimed at protecting immigrant communities, as well as the potential for law enforcement agencies to find ways to circumvent sanctuary laws through federal funding programs.