A law that bars police in the nation’s most populous state from asking people about their immigration status or participating in federal immigration enforcement activities in most cases, has made California a sanctuary state. Democratic Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill into law in October. According to some estimations, there are about 2.3 million illegal immigrants in California, Fox News reports.
“These are uncertain times for undocumented Californians and their families, and this bill strikes a balance that will protect public safety while bringing a measure of comfort to those families who are now living in fear every day,” Brown said when he signed the bill.
But not everyone likes the bill. Signs mocking the law appeared below the “Welcome to California” signs that greet motorists who enter from Arizona and Nevada. The signs declare “Official sanctuary state. Felons, Illegals, and MS13 Welcome! Democrats Need The Votes!”
California passed the bill while Trump administration was pledging to crack down on sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, Fox News reminds. Trump has pointed to the case of Kate Steinle several times. She was shot in 2015 by an illegal immigrant, who went on trial for murder, but was acquitted in November. Last month Trump tweeted that the people are angry with illegal immigration and added that the verdict was disgraceful. Other officials also criticized the California proposal.
“The bill risks the safety of good law enforcement officers and the safety of the neighborhoods that need their protection the most,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said several months ago.
Thomas Homan, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said that by passing the bill, California politicians chose to prioritize politics over public safety.
“Disturbingly, the legislation serves to codify a dangerous policy that deliberately obstructs our country’s immigration laws and shelters serious criminal alien offenders,” he stated back in September.
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