Radical far-left Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón has issued a new directive that will help criminal illegal aliens dodge deportation — telling prosecutors to consider “adverse immigration consequences” while charging illegals with crimes.
The directive, which was obtained by Fox News, states that prosecutors in Los Angeles County should consider the potential impact that criminal charges would have on the immigration status of a criminal suspect.
NEW: @FoxNews has obtained a new special directive issued by LA DA @GeorgeGascon today, ordering his prosecutors to avoid filing criminal charges that could lead to deportation for illegal immigrants, & to seek diversion for them instead whenever possible. https://t.co/8Wix0w0PBu
— Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) December 7, 2022
The document reportedly argues that prosecutors should avoid adding criminal enhancements “that would turn an otherwise immigration-neutral offense into an immigration damaging one” — and should instead seek to use diversion programs, such as plea deals, to help illegal aliens avoid deportation.
The guidance further notes that criminal illegal aliens should “present information concerning adverse immigration consequences” to the DA’s office.
“All charging determinations shall be undertaken with the goal of avoiding or mitigating the adverse immigration consequences of a decision when known… Under these circumstances and when, consistent with public safety alternatives to filing charges exist, those alternatives shall be pursued,” the document states.
Critics of the directive have argued that it is a violation of the Constitution, arguing that it creates a two-tiered system of justice — giving special privileges for individuals based on their immigration status.
“That’s a clear violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution. You cannot give special treatment to some, in this case based on immigration status. It’s unconstitutional,” tweeted Houman David Hemmati, MD, Ph.D.
That’s a clear violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution. You cannot give special treatment to some, in this case based on immigration status. It’s unconstitutional. @pnjaban @USSupremeCourt
— Houman David Hemmati, MD, PhD (@houmanhemmati) December 7, 2022
The directive lines up with Gascón’s radical criminal justice philosophy, as the district attorney is known for being soft on crime and especially soft when it comes to illegal immigration. While his policy positions have helped him win elections, the policies have been broadly unpopular when put into practice.
There was an attempt to recall the far-left district attorney this year, but the campaign failed when supporters were unable to gather enough signatures to initiate the recall process. Ironically, a poll indicated that a recall would likely be successful, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The Los Angeles DA’s Office has defended the policy.
“The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office consulted with our staff, community stakeholders and immigration experts to craft a comprehensive Immigration policy that protects vulnerable victims and prioritizes safety while attempting to avoid overly punitive consequences for the accused,” Gascón’s office told Fox News in a statement.
“We believe that we have achieved that result,” the statement continued. “We will continue to rely upon our staff to provide us with relevant information that will assist in making the determination if alternative sentencing is warranted.”
