California Legislators Propose Bill to Modify State’s Sanctuary Law

February 22, 2025 TruthUSA

SAN DIEGO—On February 21, California Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones announced legislation aimed at preventing local jurisdictions from enacting stricter illegal immigrant sanctuary policies than those established by current state law.

During a press conference outside the San Diego County administration building, Jones along with local leaders discussed the objectives and significance of SB 554, known as the Safety Before Criminal Sanctuary Act, all while loud protests were managed by sheriff’s deputies who maintained distance between demonstrators and the event’s supporters.

The bill was co-authored by eight other state Senate Republicans.

According to Jones, the new legislation aims to achieve two key goals: “It prohibits local jurisdictions from further limiting cooperation with immigration officials beyond what is currently permitted under sanctuary law and it mandates cooperation for individuals convicted of specific violent crimes.”

The California Values Act, or SB 54, passed in 2017, is also commonly referred to as a “sanctuary law.” This law restricts state and local law enforcement from utilizing their resources for immigration enforcement, except in cases involving individuals convicted of particular felonies.

This existing law provides local law enforcement with the discretion to collaborate with federal immigration authorities regarding individuals found guilty of designated felonies.

The specified felonies include serious or violent offenses, such as child abuse, sexual assault, burglary, robbery, theft, illegal possession or use of a weapon, DUI, controlled substance offenses, human trafficking, rape, kidnapping, torture, and gang-related crimes.

In a statement to The Epoch Times, Jones emphasized, “My aim is to ensure safety across our communities, including immigrant communities, throughout California. This is fundamentally about public safety—removing violent convicted felons from our streets.”

Among the protesters was Maggie Baker from South Bay People Power, who expressed her support for SB 54 and advocated for strengthening it. She argued against turning anyone over to immigration authorities, stating, “No one should face double punishment. Once they have served their time, they should be allowed to return to society without restriction.”

Another protester, Stephanie Cauchon, reflected on her grandparents’ seamless immigration experience in the 1920s, stating, “They contributed significantly to our economy as dedicated workers. Today’s immigrants contribute similarly.” Her concern about politicians vilifying the immigrant community was echoed in her support for SB 54, which she believes enhances community safety.

Cauchon shared her past volunteer experiences with a domestic violence hotline, noting that families of mixed immigration status often fear reaching out to law enforcement for help due to potential deportation.

In December 2024, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution that could restrict cooperation between county officials and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Jones criticized this resolution, stating, “This allows convicted illegal immigrant felons easier access to San Diego streets to continue their criminal activities.” He confirmed that his proposed bill emerged from concerns expressed by immigrant communities in his district.

San Diego Supervisor Joe Anderson, who missed the resolution vote, expressed his support for Jones’s bill, describing the county resolution as merely advisory without legal weight: “Resolutions are just expressions without enforceable power.” He opted for SB 554 as a course of action.

Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer voted in favor of the county resolution, but did not provide a comment when The Epoch Times reached out for clarification.

San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez previously rejected the county resolution, affirming her commitment to state law. “My primary focus is public safety. Being able to share release dates for those with serious criminal backgrounds protects our communities,” she stated regarding Jones’s legislation.

“I aim to create a climate where every resident feels secure in reporting crimes and assisting local law enforcement.”