Riverside County, CA Immigration Policy: Sanctuary Policy Preemption (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.
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]
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?
Can deputies ask about my immigration status?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside County
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside County to another location·View the California immigration policy overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.