Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig is supporting a state proposal that would overhaul California’s sanctuary state policy.
Magsig sent a letter to the State Senate this week endorsing the bill, which was authored by Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R–San Diego).
Driving the news: Senate Bill 554 would limit part of Senate Bill 54, which was passed in 2017 and declared California as a sanctuary state.
- The bill would bar cities and counties from further restricting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Currently, local law enforcement is not required to cooperate with ICE for people convicted of certain crimes such as child abuse, human trafficking, rape, kidnapping and torture, among others. While SB 54 allows local law enforcement to communicate with ICE regarding criminals who have committed those crimes, law enforcement is not required to under state law.
What he’s saying: Magsig said in the letter that SB 54 is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of California communities.
- “The arguments supporting SB 54 are undeniably compelling, directly addressing critical public safety concerns. A primary strength of this bill lies in its ability to prioritize public safety by facilitating the removal of serious criminals from our communities, regardless of immigration status,” Magsig wrote. “By focusing on individuals convicted of specific, severe offenses, SB 554 empowers law enforcement to effectively address those who pose a direct threat. Moreover, the bill’s emphasis on improved information sharing between local and federal authorities, including the sharing of release date information, will enable more efficient tracking and apprehension of dangerous individuals, preventing their reintroduction into our neighborhoods.”
- Magsig said SB 554 is a proactive approach that is essential for significantly reducing the potential for re-offending.
- “By establishing a statewide standard, the bill eliminates the current confusion and ambiguity surrounding illegal immigration enforcement responsibilities,” Magsig wrote. “This uniformity is crucial for ensuring that all communities across the state adhere to the same standards, allowing law enforcement agencies to operate effectively without the burden of conflicting local ordinances.”
- Magsig also said the mandated cooperation with ICE in specific cases is a vital tool to enable law enforcement to effectively address threats.
- “These targeted provisions are not arbitrary, but rather carefully crafted to enhance the efficacy of law enforcement in safeguarding our state,” Magsig wrote.
