What happens when any American violates federal law? They are arrested, indicted, and tried, and if found guilty, potentially sent to prison.

Are the mayors of sanctuary cities any different than Main Street Americans? Are they privileged characters, above the law? No, they aren’t. They must obey federal law like everyone else.

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen plans to prove it by arresting the leaders of sanctuary cities for not complying (violating) federal law.

Kirstjen confirmed Tuesday that she has asked federal prosecutors to lodge criminal charges against the leaders of sanctuary cities.

Charges potentially being handed down to sanctuary mayors, sheriffs, and others could include conspiracy to aid and abet known criminals, harboring known criminals, human smuggling, and a variety of other charges, including human trafficking, a very serious charge and the charge most likely to be ultimately issued, in my opinion, leading to the arrest of sanctuary city leaders.

“The Department of Justice is reviewing what avenues may be available,” Ms. Nielsen told the Senate Judiciary Committee, according to The Washington Times.

Her confirmation came after California’s new sanctuary law went into effect Jan. 1, severely restricting cooperation the state or any of its localities could offer.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan says those policies put his officers and local communities at more risk because they have to arrest illegal immigrants out in the community.

Mr. Homan told The Washington Times last July that he wanted to see local officials charged as complicit in human smuggling if they shielded illegal immigrants through sanctuary policies.

Mr. Homan repeated that demand in an interview with Fox News earlier this year, setting off a firestorm of criticism.