Oakland leaders, wary of Trump threat, prepare to defend workers in potential criminal proceedings'

"President Donald Trump has mentioned both Oakland and San Francisco among potential target cities with crime problems where he would send troops, having already ordered the National Guard in recent months to Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Memphis, Tenn., while making formal threats to Chicago and Portland, Oregon. The president has not yet announced any official plans to send the guard to the Bay Area."

"The new legislation would grant City Attorney Ryan Richardson the power to facilitate and authorize legal representation for city officials facing criminal proceedings over actions they would take within the scope of performing official city duties. These also include omissions, or actions that city officials do not take, which could be interpreted to mean the level to which they assist federal authorities."

Oakland is preparing to defend employees against criminal charges for obstructing federal immigration authorities or National Guard troops deployed by the Trump administration. Proposed legislation would give City Attorney Ryan Richardson authority to authorize legal representation for city officials facing criminal proceedings for actions or omissions taken while performing official duties. The City Council is expected to consider the measure later this month. Public agencies must provide civil defense for employees, but criminal-defense decisions often require additional council approval. San Jose, West Hollywood, and Santa Clara County have already enacted similar protections. Officials cite California's sanctuary status and recent presidential threats and National Guard deployments as drivers of the urgency.

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