The California Values Act (SB 54, 2017) codified at Government Code 7284-7284.12 limits state and local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It applies uniformly to every California agency and bars participation in most civil immigration enforcement.
Government Code 7284.6 prohibits California law enforcement agencies from using resources to investigate, interrogate, detain, detect, or arrest persons for immigration enforcement purposes. Agencies cannot inquire about immigration status, provide release dates from non-public databases, transfer custody to ICE without a judicial warrant, or use agency facilities for federal immigration interviews. Limited carve-outs allow notification or transfer for individuals with serious or violent felony convictions enumerated in Government Code 7282.5. The Act preempts contrary local sanctuary or anti-sanctuary ordinances; charter cities cannot opt out of state-imposed limits on use of state-funded resources for immigration enforcement.
Agencies that violate SB 54 face Attorney General enforcement, civil litigation, and reporting obligations under Government Code 7284.6 and 12532; willful violations may trigger officer discipline.
See how Arcata's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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