California Now One Step Closer to Becoming a ‘Sanctuary State’

No other state in the country has opposed President Trump more than California.

On Monday, the California Senate passed SB54, a bill that would “prohibit local police and sheriff’s deputies throughout the state from enforcing federal immigration laws or turning undocumented people over to ICE.”

SB54 was first introduced in December by Senate President Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles), who said, “We will not stand by and let the federal government use our state and local agencies to separate mothers from their children.”

On Monday, San Francisco Sen. Scott Wiener said: “This bill makes clear that California will not become an arm of ICE. That we will not allow our employees, our law enforcement from becoming de facto immigration officers … This bill is about people who are just trying to live their lives; people who are living in fear because of the political atmosphere.”

If SB54 passes the state Assembly, law enforcement agencies across the state will be forbidden from carrying out basic duties associated with containing illegal immigrants.

The bill would forbid officers from asking individuals about the status of their immigration or requesting to see information about them.

Most recently, president Trump threatened to cut federal funding from states that refuse to comply with federal law in regards to illegal immigration.

It appears the state of California is daring the Trump administration to go through with their threat.

Republicans in the state Senate were very unhappy that this bill passed, citing that it puts our law enforcement officials in a very tough position going forward.

“This bill is unsafe,” said Senator Jeff Stone. “This bill is unlawful. This bill is designed to make California a sanctuary for certain dangerous criminals.”

Senator Joel Anderson, while on the Senate floor, said, “Don’t get caught up with ‘I hate Trump’ fever. SB54 is the wrong direction.”

SB54 would also ban immigration enforcement in state health facilities, courthouses, and schools.

“The bill initially was given urgency status, meaning it would have taken effect as soon as the governor signed it, but last week de León removed that status, meaning the bill would not take effect until January 1, 2018, if it passes the Assembly,” as reported by the Sacramento Bee.

The bill is absolutely gut-wrenching for law enforcement officials that want to combat illegal immigration and carry out basic functions of their jobs.

The cold, hard reality of the situation is that we have borders for a reason. California’s latest stunt only encourages more illegals to try and enter the U.S. — which places Americans at risk.

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