The Latest: GOP leaders warn against immigration roll calls

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on President Donald Trump and immigration issues (all times local):

4:50 p.m.

House GOP leaders are warning rebellious Republicans that forcing roll calls on immigration could damage the party by weakening conservatives’ enthusiasm for voting in this fall’s midterm elections.

California Republican Rep. Jeff Denham says that’s what party leaders said during a closed-door meeting of Republicans on Wednesday. Another person in the room who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to describe a private discussion said House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy delivered that message.

Denham and Florida GOP Rep. Carlos Curbelo are leading a drive to force the House to vote on four immigration bills including liberal, conservative and bipartisan measures.

House Speaker Paul Ryan opposes that effort and is seeking a bill that can pass Congress and get President Donald Trump’s signature. Party leaders have unsuccessfully sought such a compromise for months.

— Associated Press writer Alan Fram contributed to this item.

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3:40 p.m.

President Donald Trump is hammering California for its sanctuary policies in his latest push to resist the “resistance” to his presidency.

Trump on Wednesday met with local California leaders who oppose the state’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

That includes failing to notify federal officials when people living in the country illegally are released from jails.

Trump thanked the officials, saying they had “bravely resisted California’s deadly and unconstitutional sanctuary state laws.” He added that “California’s law provides safe harbor to some of the most vicious and violent offenders on earth.”

Trump argues that the policies violate federal law and result in the release of criminals into communities.