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Riverside County, CA Immigration Policy: Sanctuary Policy Preemption (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Statewide law
SB 54 California Values Act
Authority
Govt Code 7284 to 7284.12
Detainer rule
Judicial warrant required
Coverage
All CA local enforcement
Oversight
California Attorney General

Summary

California Senate Bill 54, the California Values Act, restricts state and local law enforcement from using resources to investigate, detain, or arrest persons for federal immigration purposes. The law applies to Riverside County Sheriff and county jails.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Riverside County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

This chapter shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Values Act. (Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 495, Sec. 3. (SB 54) Effective January 1, 2018.) Government Code - GOV TITLE 1. GENERAL [100 - 7931.000] DIVISION 7. MISCELLANEOUS [6000 - 7599.200] CHAPTER 17.25. Cooperation with Immigration Authorities [7284 - 7284.12]

Source: California Government Code 7284View official code

Full Breakdown

Government Code sections 7284 to 7284.12, enacted by SB 54 in 2017, prohibit California law enforcement from inquiring into immigration status, holding individuals on ICE detainers without a judicial warrant, or providing release dates except for those convicted of specified serious or violent offenses. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department must comply with these statewide limits. SB 54 does not create a true sanctuary, because notification is permitted for many felonies. The Attorney General publishes annual model policies, and the California Department of Justice oversees compliance reviews.

Violations & Fines

Unlawful immigration cooperation by deputies can trigger Attorney General audits, civil-rights litigation, and discipline. Federal civil-rights claims may follow improper detainer holds without judicial warrant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Riverside County a sanctuary county?
Riverside County has not declared itself a sanctuary, but it must comply with SB 54 limits on ICE cooperation. Notification of release for serious offenses remains permitted.
Can deputies ask about my immigration status?
No. SB 54 prohibits California law enforcement from inquiring about immigration status during routine stops, arrests, or jail bookings except in narrow federally required contexts.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Riverside County

All Riverside County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside County to another location·View the California immigration policy overview

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