The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear a case that would have affected sanctuary cities. The Trump Administration challenged California’s sanctuary law that limits local law enforcement agencies’ contact and requirement to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities.
Federal authorities said the 2017 California immigration law conflicted with federal legislation. The immigrant sanctuary law makes it difficult to deport someone living in America without documentation for a misdemeanor.
California Sanctuary Law
California Gov. Jerry Brown signed the “California Sanctuary Law SB54” in October 2017. It limits local and state agencies’ ability to cooperate with ICE. They are not required to report arrests to federal agencies when undocumented people commit minor crimes.
The bill provides protections for immigrants. It limits deportation after interactions with the police. Immigrants who do not have documentation can still be deported if they commit a crime in the state. There are also no protections for people arrested in raids.
The law restricts local agencies’ ability to work with federal authorities. Local law enforcement can still work with federal agencies if they follow guidelines. They are still required to follow federal laws.
Limitations on when and what can be reported
Local authorities cannot ask about immigration status. They cannot hold someone for a federal detainment request. They are not required to assist in an immigration arrest. Federal authorities must have a warrant to transfer custody of someone from local detention to ICE. They are not required to share information unless the arrest was for a violent or serious crime.
The high court’s decision means California’s sanctuary law is still in effect. Living in California does not keep you from arrest or deportation. It limits cooperation by local police.