California Sanctuary Policy Preemption Law: Statewide Immigration Policy Rules (2026)

California Values Act Statewide Sanctuary Law

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across California (2026)

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.

Key Facts

Enacting Law: SB 54 (2017)
Core Statute: Gov Code 7284.6
Felony Carve-Outs: Gov Code 7282.5
Statewide Application: Yes

Full Breakdown

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.

Violations & Penalties

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can California cities opt out of the California Values Act?

No. Government Code 7284.6 binds every state and local law enforcement agency. Charter cities and counties cannot adopt ordinances authorizing assistance prohibited by SB 54.

Does sanctuary law block all cooperation with ICE?

No. Government Code 7282.5 permits notification and transfer for persons convicted of enumerated serious or violent felonies, and federal criminal warrants are honored. Civil immigration enforcement assistance is broadly restricted.