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Senate Bill 54 - The California Values Act (SB 54)

Posted by Bulldog Law | Jan 27, 2025

Senate Bill 54


Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), also known as the California Values Act, is a transformative piece of legislation that aims to safeguard immigrant communities by limiting the involvement of state and local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement activities. 
SB 54, signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown on October 5, 2017, and effective January 1, 2018, is a powerful statement against the use of state resources to support deportation efforts. The law's primary goal is to establish safe spaces within California's public institutions, such as schools, hospitals, courthouses, and libraries, ensuring they remain places where individuals are not afraid of immigration enforcement.
This blog explores the key provisions of SB 54, explains how it functions, and examines its impact on California's immigrant population. It also addresses the broader implications of this legislation and its influence on immigration policy and public safety.

The Origins of Senate Bill 54

Senate Bill 54 (SB 54) was introduced by California State Senate Pro Tempore Kevin de León, a dedicated advocate for immigrant rights. The bill was designed to shield undocumented immigrants from the harsh tactics often used by federal immigration agencies, especially U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. In response to a federal administration focused on aggressive deportation policies, SB 54 emerged as California's safeguard for its vulnerable populations.
The California Values Act aims to prevent state and local law enforcement from participating in federal immigration enforcement actions. The bill underscores California's commitment to being a sanctuary state, promoting inclusivity and protection for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.

Fundamental Provisions of SB 54

SB 54 is a far-reaching law that addresses multiple facets of law enforcement, public institutions, and individual rights. Let's explore its key provisions:

Limiting the Role of Police and Sheriffs in Immigration Enforcement

A central aspect of SB 54 is its limitation on the involvement of local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement. Specifically, California law prohibits local police and sheriffs from:

  • Asking individuals about their immigration status during interactions.
  • Arresting individuals solely for immigration violations or outstanding deportation orders.
  • Utilizing ICE or Border Patrol agents as interpreters during their interactions with the public.
  • Sharing personal information, such as home addresses, with ICE or Border Patrol unless that information is already public.

This provision ensures that local law enforcement remains focused on community safety rather than engaging in federal immigration enforcement. By restricting the sharing of personal data, SB 54 helps safeguard individuals from being unfairly targeted or deported due to minor offenses or unrelated infractions.

Restrictions on Detaining Individuals for Immigration Authorities

SB 54 prevents local law enforcement from detaining individuals merely to allow ICE or Border Patrol agents to take them into custody. When individuals are eligible for release, they cannot be held longer simply for immigration enforcement purposes. The law also ensures that people cannot be transferred to immigration authorities without their written consent, except under specific circumstances.
However, law enforcement has the option to notify ICE or Border Patrol if an individual has certain criminal convictions, including:

  • Felony convictions served in state prison.
  • Other felony convictions within the past 15 years.
  • Certain higher-level misdemeanors committed within the last five years.

This provision gives local law enforcement the ability to cooperate with federal authorities while ensuring that individuals are not subjected to unnecessary detention or forced interviews with immigration agents.

State Prison Officials' Limitations on Immigration Enforcement

SB 54 extends its protections to state prisons, where it restricts cooperation with federal immigration enforcement in several significant ways:

  • Immigration agents cannot interview inmates without written consent.
  • An inmate's immigration status cannot influence their classification, ensuring that access to rehabilitation and educational programs is not compromised based on immigration status.

These provisions ensure that California's state prisons prioritize rehabilitation and reintegration rather than functioning as de facto immigration detention centers.

Safe Spaces in Public Institutions

One of the core goals of SB 54 is to create safe spaces in public institutions, particularly for vulnerable populations such as immigrants, children, and older people. The law limits immigration enforcement in places like:

  • Public schools and libraries
  • Health facilities
  • Courthouses

Immigration authorities cannot conduct enforcement actions in these locations unless they have a specific warrant or legal justification. This is particularly crucial in settings like schools and health facilities, where individuals may otherwise avoid seeking essential services due to fear of deportation. By making these spaces safe, SB 54 encourages trust in public institutions and ensures all individuals can access necessary services without fear of detention or deportation.

The Right to Remain Silent

SB 54 reaffirms individuals' rights to remain silent during interactions with law enforcement or immigration agents. This provision emphasizes that people should not be coerced into disclosing their immigration status, citizenship, or other personal information during law enforcement encounters. It reminds individuals that anything they say to law enforcement can be used against them, making it vital to exercise the right to remain silent when interacting with law enforcement or immigration authorities.

Effect of SB 54 on Immigrant Communities in California

SB 54 has had a significant effect on California's immigrant communities, offering direct protections and contributing to broader societal benefits. Here's how the law has influenced both immigrants and the state as a whole:

Enhanced Safety and Strengthened Trust in Law Enforcement 

A central aim of SB 54 is to foster trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. By limiting local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, the law ensures that individuals, regardless of immigration status, are not deterred from reaching out to law enforcement when they need assistance, whether as victims or witnesses of crimes. This is particularly important for immigrant communities, who may fear deportation and avoid contacting authorities as a result.

By cultivating trust, SB 54 helps build safer communities where individuals are more inclined to work with law enforcement. This increased cooperation leads to more effective crime prevention and resolution.

Protection from Deportation for Vulnerable Groups 

The law offers crucial protection to individuals who may be at risk of deportation for minor offenses or immigration violations. By restricting law enforcement's ability to collaborate with ICE or Border Patrol unless certain conditions are met, SB 54 minimizes the chances of individuals being detained and deported solely based on their immigration status.

This provision is especially vital for those with family members in California, helping to keep families together and preventing unnecessary separations.


A Model for Other States 

While SB 54 applies specifically to California, its passage has sparked important discussions in other states regarding the role of local law enforcement in immigration enforcement. The law serves as a model for other states that aim to implement stronger protections for immigrants and create sanctuary policies. It challenges the idea that immigration enforcement should be a responsibility of local law enforcement agencies alone.

California's decision to limit cooperation with ICE has set a precedent, providing an example for other regions seeking to oppose federal immigration policies that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.

Opposition and Criticisms

While SB 54 has gained considerable support, it has also faced opposition, particularly from conservative lawmakers and certain law enforcement groups. Critics argue that the law impedes federal immigration enforcement and makes it more difficult to deport individuals considered dangerous criminals. They contend that by limiting local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities, SB 54 allows individuals with criminal backgrounds to avoid deportation.
Furthermore, some local law enforcement agencies have expressed concerns about their ability to enforce state laws effectively when cooperation with federal immigration enforcement is restricted. While these concerns are understandable, supporters of SB 54 assert that local law enforcement should prioritize community safety over assisting with federal deportation efforts.
While the law has encountered opposition and challenges, its passage represents a critical step toward defending the rights of California's immigrant population. As other states consider similar measures, SB 54 serves as a powerful example of how state-level advocacy can shape immigration policy. California has set an important precedent for creating safer, more welcoming communities where individuals, regardless of immigration status, can thrive.
For those facing the complexities of immigration law, Bulldog Law's expertise in immigration matters can offer essential guidance on how SB 54 impacts your rights and provide the support needed to navigate these legal challenges effectively.

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