State Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones is set to introduce legislation aimed at revising California’s ‘sanctuary state’ law, officially known as Senate Bill 54. The proposed changes seek to mandate cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, particularly concerning individuals convicted of violent offenses.
Jones plans to announce the legislation during a press conference at 10 a.m. on February 21 at the San Diego County Administration Building, located at 1600 Pacific Highway. Joining him will be San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson, representatives from the San Diego County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, Vista Mayor John Franklin, San Marcos City Council Member Ed Musgrove, El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells, public safety advocates, and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
Enacted in 2017, SB 54 restricts local and state law enforcement agencies from engaging in immigration enforcement. While it allows for discretionary cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cases involving serious or violent crimes, Jones contends that the current law inadequately addresses public safety concerns. His proposal aims to prevent local jurisdictions from enacting sanctuary policies that are more restrictive than existing state law and would require law enforcement to collaborate with ICE on matters involving violent offenders and specific criminal activities.
This initiative follows a December decision by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, which voted 3-1 to limit the use of county resources for federal immigration enforcement. Former Board Chairwoman Nora Vargas emphasized that the policy was intended to focus local resources on pressing county needs while safeguarding families and fostering community trust. In contrast, Jones argues that such policies may inadvertently facilitate the release of undocumented individuals charged with violent crimes back into the community, thereby undermining public safety and creating inconsistencies with federal law.
