Gov. Jerry Brown and California’s top state Senate leader have agreed to legislation that would further restrict interactions between state and local law enforcement officers, and federal immigration agents.
On Monday, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León agreed to changes demanded by Brown to SB 54 following fierce opposition from sheriffs and other law enforcement officials.
The legislation will now preserve the ability of law enforcement officers to cooperate on federal task forces as long as the task forces do not specifically target immigration enforcement.
Now, police and jail officials would be able to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents if they detain people with convictions for some 800 different crimes.
“SB 54 will ensure that state and local police are not diverted from protecting our communities in order to enforce federal immigration laws,” de León said in a statement on Monday. “The protections provided by SB 54 will also ensure undocumented residents can report crimes and assist in prosecutions without fear of deportation.”
“This bill protects public safety and people who come to California to work hard and make this state a better place,” read a statement from Brown released by de León’s office.
California’s prisons would also now be exempt from SB 54’s limits on communicating with ICE.
ICE agents would also be able to interview people in custody in jails and prisons, but it prohibits giving immigration authorities permanent office space in jails.
The bill has passed the state Senate but faces a tougher test in the more moderate Assembly. The Trump administration threatens to withhold federal funding from governments it deems to have sanctuary policies.
The Assembly has until Friday to approve the measure. Brown has until Oct. 15 to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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