If you value independent local news, become a sustainer today. Your gift could help unlock a $1M challenge.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Judge denies Trump administration attempt to block California sanctuary law
FILE: People protest outside a speech by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on March 7, 2018, in Sacramento, California. Sessions admonished state politicians for not cooperating with federal authorities on immigration enforcement issues.
(
NOAH BERGER/AFP/Getty Images
)
Listen
1:08
Judge denies Trump administration attempt to block California sanctuary law
A federal judge in Sacramento on Thursday dealt a blow to the Trump administration’s efforts to challenge California’s sanctuary law, known as S.B. 54.
The U.S. Department of Justice sought to block three California laws that aim to protect unauthorized immigrants, the main one being the sanctuary law, which limits local police cooperation with immigration agents.
U.S. District Court Judge John Mendez disagreed with the administration's argument that S.B. 54 impedes immigration agents from doing their jobs. He wrote that “refusing to help is not the same as impeding.”
The judge also denied the administration's attempt to block A.B. 103, a law that gives the state more authority to oversee immigrant detention facilities in California. But he partially blocked A.B. 450, a law known as the Immigrant Worker Protection Act. While employers in the state may still warn workers about immigration audits when employee documents are reviewed, agents may not be restricted from entering a business, the judge ruled.
It's not clear if the federal government will appeal the decision.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
