A sanctuary law that tied police hands
In El Cajon, California, just 25 miles from the Mexican border, a city councilman recently made a simple request. Federal agents had alerted local officials about more than 50 unaccompanied children who might be living in unsafe conditions alongside illegal immigrants. Could El Cajon’s local police conduct a wellness check?
TL;DR
- El Cajon, California police were unable to conduct a wellness check on over 50 unaccompanied children due to California's sanctuary law (SB 54).
- The law creates legal risk for local authorities who cooperate closely with federal immigration officials, even in urgent situations.
- The America First Policy Institute filed a lawsuit against California Attorney General Rob Bonta on behalf of the City of El Cajon, challenging SB 54.
- The lawsuit argues that federal law should take precedence over state laws in immigration enforcement, citing the Constitution's supremacy clause.
- Sanctuary laws are seen as undermining federal efforts to remove traffickers, gang members, and cartel operatives.
- New York has also adopted policies restricting cooperation between local agencies and ICE.
- The lawsuit raises questions about states' rights to obstruct cooperation with federal authorities and whether this obstructs public safety.
- The modern sanctuary movement dates back to 1979, with over 1,000 sanctuary jurisdictions now existing.