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.
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.
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.
See how Riverside County's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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