Many California sheriffs are speaking out against the state’s new status as a sanctuary, calling on Congress to intervene and pass a federal law to change it.
The National Sheriffs Association’s CEO Jonathan Thompson called the bill “reckless” in an interview with Fox News Wednesday morning. He said sheriffs across America are disappointed in the bill, which prevents police officers from questioning or detaining people on civil immigration violations.
“They just outlawed crime fighting in California and they did it with something called the values act and that’s what’s really troubling to most of us because the values that the legislature and the governor are honoring those of thugs, rapists, murderers, and serial criminals.” He continued, “and this is what’s really dangerous. It’s a slippery slope,” Thompson said.
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Thompson’s message was very similar to the statement he released the same day the bill was signed by Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown in September.
“Americas Sheriffs are saddened and disappointed that Governor Brown signed this reckless bill into law. It is unfortunate that California’s law enforcement has become pawns in this political game, but they will continue to do their jobs diligently to protect their communities,” he said.
The statement also called for leaders in Washington to “take action” by passing legislation to help law enforcement officers.
“We also implore leaders in Washington to take action and pass sensible legislation that would prevent careless legislation from hamstringing law enforcement and would give them the tools to combat dangerous policies like this,” Thompson said.
The bill was passed in a party line vote Sept. 16. SB 54, a long-debated measure to shield illegal immigrants from the Trump administration’s strict immigration enforcement and signed into office Oct. 5. (RELATED: California Goes Full Sanctuary State With Sweeping Immigration Bill)
The bill sharply limits state and local law enforcement communication with federal immigration authorities.
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