Stark County, Ohio, Deputy Paul Brown hands a pack of Smarties to Minerva seniors Amaya Denman and Korin Colllins, both who were wearing seat belts when entering RG Drage. The Culinary FCCLA and Stark County Sheriff's Deputies stopped vehicles as they enter the parking lot to see whether occupants were wearing seat belts at a safety event on Feb. 28, 2022. Drage Fccla Safety Events 03
Riverside County – Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has joined a federal lawsuit seeking to overturn California’s immigration protection law, the California Values Act, also known as SB 54. Bianco, joining in his capacity as sheriff, coroner, and public administrator, is the only sheriff in the state participating in the suit.
Filed in U.S. District Court on May 2 and supported by America First Legal (AFL), the lawsuit argues that SB 54 — which limits local law enforcement’s involvement in federal immigration enforcement — violates federal law and compromises public safety. Huntington Beach, its city council, police department, and police chief are also plaintiffs.
“SB 54 was only designed to protect criminals in jail from being deported,” Bianco claimed in a statement. However, the law, which took effect in 2018, protects a broader range of immigrants by restricting local agencies from using state or local resources for immigration enforcement, except in cases involving serious crimes or felony convictions.
Despite Riverside County’s historically immigrant-rich demographics — about 20% of residents are foreign-born — Bianco has made immigration enforcement a focal point of his political agenda. He launched a campaign for governor earlier this year and has publicly stated he would repeal SB 54 if elected. Bianco decided to join the lawsuit without support from the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, which had previously reaffirmed its commitment to immigrant communities.
In February, the board passed a resolution supporting immigrant rights and legal resources, proposed by Supervisors V. Manuel Perez and Yxstian Gutierrez. That resolution echoed the protections already established by SB 54 and similar state laws.
Immigrant rights advocates have strongly condemned Bianco’s legal action. “This lawsuit has no legal standing and is a political stunt to scapegoat immigrants,” said Luis Nolasco of the ACLU of Southern California. Javier Hernandez of the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice added, “SB 54 safeguards constitutional rights and prevents wrongful detentions — including those of U.S. citizens.”
Attorney General Rob Bonta has reiterated that California law limits local participation in federal immigration enforcement, regardless of who is in the White House. “California will continue to lead with California values,” Bonta said earlier this year.
America First Legal, which is representing Bianco and Huntington Beach, framed the lawsuit as a necessary measure to “protect American citizens” and “stop California from defying federal immigration laws.”
Bianco’s participation effectively places Riverside County in the crosshairs of a contentious battle over state versus federal control of immigration policy.
