San Diego City Wire

Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones, along with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson, will announce new legislation aimed at overhauling California's sanctuary state law. The press conference is scheduled for Friday, February 21, 2025, at the San Diego County Administration Building.

The proposed bill seeks to prevent local jurisdictions from enacting sanctuary city measures that are stronger than current state law. It also aims to require local law enforcement to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding violent offenders and specific crimes.

SB 54, passed in 2017 under Senator De León, established California as a sanctuary state by limiting the use of state and local resources for federal immigration enforcement. However, exceptions were made for cooperation with ICE concerning individuals convicted of serious or violent crimes.

Recently, San Diego County declared itself a "Super Sanctuary County," prohibiting cooperation with ICE unless a federal warrant is issued. This ordinance applies even to offenses exempted under SB 54, potentially allowing undocumented immigrants charged with violent crimes back into the community.

Leader Jones's legislation intends to address these issues by aligning more closely with federal law and ensuring public safety.

Jones will be available for interviews following the announcement. Media inquiries can be directed to Nina Fisher via email or phone.