The California Values Act or Senate Bill 54 (De León), also known as the sanctuary state bill, prohibits local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE officials to enforce immigration laws. Immigration enforcement is in the jurisdiction of federal agencies (like Immigration and Customs Enforcement, aka ICE). Local law enforcement (your local police) are not required to enforce immigration policy. The State Assembly passed the bill on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017. The bill now goes back to the Senate for another vote, then to the desk of Governor Brown.
SEIU 521 union members successfully showed their support for SB 54 in May and April along with other SEIU members from across California and hundreds of immigration right activists in a protest and rally for immigrants’ rights.
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California released the following statement from Riko Mendez, Chief Elected Officer of SEIU Local 521, on the Assembly’s passage of SB 54 (De León):
“In the face of anti-immigrant attacks and white nationalist hate, California has again made its mark as the standard-bearer of the true American Dream, one based on opportunity, inclusion, and respect.
“The passage of SB 54 sends a clear message to our immigrant family members, neighbors, and co-workers: we will do everything in our power to defend you.
“Going to work to put food on the table, dropping your children off at school, or taking them to the doctor should not put you at risk of having your family forever ripped apart.
“This is basic human decency, and it is sad that we must fight for it, but we are – and we will continue to do so.”
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