San Diego City Wire

Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones, along with other officials and community leaders, will introduce new legislation aimed at overhauling California's "Sanctuary State" law. The press conference is scheduled for tomorrow at the San Diego County Administration Building.

The proposed bill, titled "Safety Before Criminal Sanctuary," seeks to prevent local jurisdictions from enacting sanctuary city measures that are stronger than current state law. It also mandates cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE concerning violent offenders and specific crimes.

Participants in the announcement include Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson, El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells, Vista Mayor John Franklin, San Marcos City Councilman Ed Musgrove, Sharie Finn of The RAD Movement, Amy Reichert of Restore San Diego, and additional community activists.

SB 54 (De León, 2017) established California as a sanctuary state by limiting the use of state and local resources for federal immigration enforcement. Despite this restriction, it allows—though does not require—local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE regarding individuals convicted of serious or violent crimes.

Recently, San Diego County passed an ordinance declaring itself a “Super Sanctuary County.” This measure prohibits cooperation with ICE unless a federal warrant is issued. According to Jones's office, this could potentially allow undocumented immigrants charged with violent crimes to return to the streets without facing federal immigration consequences.

Leader Jones’s proposed legislation aims to realign local policies with federal law and ensure public safety by addressing gaps created by existing ordinances like those in San Diego County.

Jones will be available for interviews following the press conference. Media inquiries can be directed to Nina Fisher via email at Nina.Fisher@sen.ca.gov.