California County Dems Move To Shield Migrants Charged With ‘Heinous Crimes’ From ICE
San Diego County doubled down on its existing sanctuary policy by voting to further restrict local cooperation with federal immigration authorities, even in cases where migrants have been charged with “heinous crimes.”…
San Diego County doubled down on its existing sanctuary policy by voting to further restrict local cooperation with federal Immigration authorities, even in cases where migrants have been charged with “heinous crimes.”
In a 3-1 vote on Tuesday, members of the Democrat-controlled San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted to further restrict local law enforcement’s ability to assist or communicate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating in the jurisdiction, which could include instances where a migrant has been charged with rape, assault, child abuse or other serious crimes.
“While the California Values Act significantly expanded protection from deportation to California residents, it fell short of protecting all residents because it allowed agencies to still notify ICE of release dates and transfers individuals to ICE without a warrant in some circumstances,” Board Chairwoman Nora Vargas wrote in her proposed policy. “This loophole has allowed the transfer of some individuals to ICE and notifications to ICE of release dates, leading to the deportation of our community members and the separation of families in our region.”
The “circumstances” in which ICE could be notified included illegal migrants who’ve committed serious and heinous crimes, according to opponents of the new rule.
Supervisor Jim Desmond, the lone dissenter in Tuesday’s vote, framed the resolution as a “dangerous” measure that turns San Diego County into a “super” sanctuary jurisdiction.