San Diego City Wire

Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones of San Diego has introduced Senate Bill 554, titled the Safety Before Criminal Sanctuary Act, aiming to modify California's existing sanctuary state law. This legislation seeks to ensure that violent offenders are not protected from federal immigration authorities.

SB 554 intends to amend Senate Bill 54, which was enacted in 2017 and established California as a sanctuary state. The current law restricts state and local resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement but allows local law enforcement to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cases involving specific serious or violent crimes.

Leader Jones stated, "The Safety Before Criminal Sanctuary Act is a commonsense measure to tighten up California’s Sanctuary State policies in favor of public safety." He emphasized that the bill would use "every tool in the toolbox" to enhance community safety by ensuring violent criminals are not shielded from federal authorities.

The introduction of SB 554 comes after San Diego County declared itself a “Super Sanctuary County,” further limiting cooperation with ICE beyond what SB 54 prescribes. Jones remarked, "We are stopping ‘super sanctuary’ cities and counties."

Supporters of SB 554 include various public officials and community leaders such as Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, and San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson. Congressman Darrell Issa also expressed support, stating that the current laws have shielded dangerous criminals instead of protecting people.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco noted that reforming SB 54 is essential for stopping victimization within immigrant communities by allowing ICE access to county jails. Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh highlighted the importance of creating a safer environment for all communities by ensuring violent offenders face federal scrutiny.

San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson expressed gratitude for Jones' focus on community safety, while Vista Mayor John Franklin criticized local decisions protecting serious felons over cooperating with federal authorities.

The bill awaits assignment to a Senate policy committee for further consideration.