Fresno operates as a Welcoming City within California's statewide sanctuary framework under SB 54 (the California Values Act), limiting local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration detainers.
California Senate Bill 54, the California Values Act, prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from using resources to investigate, detain, or arrest persons for immigration enforcement, with narrow exceptions for serious or violent felonies. Fresno Police Department follows these rules, declining ICE detainers without a judicial warrant. Fresno City Council passed Welcoming City resolutions affirming inclusion. Fresno County Sheriff operates under the same SB 54 framework countywide. Fresno Unified School District has adopted safe-haven policies. Federal immigration enforcement remains entirely a federal responsibility.
Local agencies that violate SB 54 face state Attorney General oversight, civil enforcement, and reporting requirements, while individual officers risk discipline for unauthorized federal cooperation.
See how Fresno's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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