Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB54 into law on Thursday, which places limitations on California’s state and local law enforcement from enforcing federal immigration laws and cooperating with ICE. The sanctuary state bill will take effect starting Jan. 1, 2018.
Here is a list of what California local law enforcement can no longer do under this bill:
- Inquire about an individual’s immigration status.
- Detain someone on a hold request for the federal government, unless there’s a felony warrant or the person has been convicted of one of the crimes specifically listed in the legislation.
- Arrest someone for a civil immigration warrant alone.
- Be deputized as immigration agents.
- Participate in border patrol activities.
- Participate in joint task forces with the federal government if the primary purpose is immigration enforcement.
- Notify the federal government of someone’s release or transfer someone to federal custody, unless there’s a federal warrant or the person has been convicted of one of the crimes listed in the bill.
Devin O’Malley, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Justice, said in a statement that the state, “has now codified a commitment to returning criminal aliens back onto our streets, which undermines public safety, national security, and law enforcement”.
In response to the new law the National Sheriffs' Association released this statement:
“America's Sheriffs are saddened and disappointed that Governor Brown signed this reckless bill into law. It is unfortunate that California’s law enforcement has become pawns in this political game, but they will continue to do their jobs diligently to protect their communities.”
“We also implore leaders in Washington to take action and pass sensible legislation that would prevent careless legislation from hamstringing law enforcement and would give them the tools to combat dangerous policies like this.”
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