CALIFORNIA/IMMIGRATION/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “Gov. Jerry Brown of California on Friday [3-30-18] pardoned five ex-convicts facing possible deportation, drawing criticism from President Trump and heightening continued tensions between Washington and California. The five immigrants were among 56 pardons and 14 commutations Mr. Brown granted on Friday — Good Friday and the start of Passover — to those who have been out of custody for at least 10 years and have exhibited ‘exemplary behavior’ after their convictions, the governor’s press office said…It was the latest discord between Mr. Trump and leaders in California, where lawmakers have been actively seeking to disrupt Mr. Trump’s policies — not only by passing immigration laws that run counter to the administration’s agenda, but also by expanding environmental protections, raising gasoline taxes to pay for highway construction, and resisting moves to weaken rules for greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy standards for automobiles.”
-Christina Caron, “Jerry Brown Pardons 5 Ex-Convicts Facing Deportation, Provoking Trump,” The New York Times online, Mar. 31, 2018