WASHINGTON – The Justice Department has instructed its attorneys to investigate any state or local officials who stand in the way of President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts, as revealed in a memorandum from the department’s acting deputy attorney general.

The memo, issued on Tuesday by Emil Bove, indicates that state and local leaders who obstruct federal immigration actions in accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Alien Enemies Act may face investigation.

“Laws or actions that could obstruct Executive Branch efforts on immigration enforcement, including withholding information from federal agencies involved in these activities, could pose risks to public safety and national security,” Bove stated. He urged that any resistance or obstruction be reported to the department immediately.

“The Justice Department must and will work to eliminate these dangers,” Bove commented regarding threats from cartels and international crime organizations.

The memo specified how immigration-related actions should be enforced by the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Bureau of Prisons.

Enhancing enforcement of immigration laws is likely to lead to tensions between the Trump administration and jurisdictions that have labeled themselves as “sanctuary” cities or states for undocumented immigrants.

On Monday, Trump issued an executive order that would strip federal funding from any “‘sanctuary” jurisdictions. The order additionally instructed the attorney general and the secretary of Homeland Security to take legal action—either criminal or civil—against any areas that obstruct law enforcement efforts.

Certain city and state officials have publicly committed to not assisting with immigration enforcement. For instance, New York City has established itself as a sanctuary city, minimizing cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Similarly, the Los Angeles City Council voted in November to prevent city resources from being allocated for immigration enforcement in a city that is home to around 1.35 million immigrants, constituting about one-third of its population.

“Immigrants are an integral part of Los Angeles and they should feel safe and secure in the city that they consider home, regardless of the political climate,” stated Council member Nithya Raman at that time.

In December, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors passed a measure that prohibits law enforcement from notifying federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents unless they have a warrant, particularly when immigrants are in custody.