Gov. Newsom will veto California bill blocking prisons from cooperating with ICE: report

California Gov. Gavin Newsom Vows to Veto Bill Blocking ICE Cooperation

In a move that has sparked debate across California, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced his intention to veto a bill that would limit the state’s prison system from collaborating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assembly Bill 15, sponsored by Democratic lawmaker Mike Gipson, aims to prevent the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) from transferring individuals eligible for release to ICE custody. Proponents of the bill argue that such transfers unfairly subject immigrant and refugee communities to double punishment and further trauma after they have already served their time in state custody. However, Newsom’s office has signaled that the governor would reject the legislation if it reaches his desk, citing concerns about public safety and the need for cooperation between state and federal law enforcement agencies.

The Content of Assembly Bill 15

Assembly Bill 15 seeks to address what its supporters describe as unnecessary and harmful cooperation between California’s correctional institutions and ICE. The bill’s language explicitly prohibits the CDCR from detaining individuals based on ICE hold requests, sharing release date information, or facilitating the transfer of eligible individuals to immigration authorities for detention and deportation. Supporters argue that these practices disproportionately affect immigrant and refugee communities, subjecting them to prolonged detention and separation from their families even after they have fulfilled their state sentences. By limiting such interactions, the bill aims to reduce trauma and promote trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement.

Gov. Newsom’s Stance on the Bill

Governor Newsom’s decision to veto Assembly Bill 15 is not the first time he has taken a stance against similar legislation. In 2021, he vetoed Assembly Bill 1306, which proposed comparable restrictions on the CDCR’s cooperation with ICE. At the time, Newsom argued that the bill would hinder the state’s ability to share critical information with federal law enforcement, potentially compromising public safety. He emphasized that current laws already strike a balance between limiting unnecessary interactions with ICE and maintaining cooperation on public safety issues. Newsom’s office has reiterated this position in response to the new bill, asserting that blocking all forms of cooperation with ICE could impede the CDCR’s ability to assess and mitigate risks associated with releasing certain individuals back into the community.

The Broader Context of ICE Transfers in California

Despite Newsom’s opposition to Assembly Bill 15, the issue of ICE transfers remains a contentious topic in California. Since Newsom took office in 2019, more than 10,500 inmates have been transferred from state custody to ICE, according to data reported by KCRA 3. Critics of these transfers argue that they disproportionately target immigrant communities and undermine California’s reputation as a sanctuary state. They also point out that many of those transferred to ICE custody are not violent offenders but individuals who have committed non-serious crimes or are eligible for release. Supporters of the transfers, on the other hand, argue that they are a necessary tool for ensuring public safety and enforcing federal immigration laws.

Reactions to the Veto Decision

The decision to veto Assembly Bill 15 has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders across the state. Immigrant rights advocates and organizations have expressed disappointment, arguing that the bill is a crucial step toward protecting vulnerable communities and upholding California’s values of inclusivity and justice. They contend that Newsom’s veto undermines the state’s commitment to being a sanctuary for immigrants and perpetuates a system that perpetuates fear and separation within these communities. On the other hand, law enforcement groups and some public safety advocates have expressed support for Newsom’s decision, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cooperation with federal agencies to ensure public safety.

The Ongoing Debate Over Immigration and Public Safety

The debate over Assembly Bill 15 reflects a larger tension between California’s progressive stance on immigration and the federal government’s enforcement priorities. While California has positioned itself as a leader in protecting immigrant rights, the state’s correctional system continues to cooperate with ICE in certain capacities. Newsom’s veto of Assembly Bill 15 suggests that he is attempting to navigate this complex landscape, balancing the concerns of immigrant communities with the need to maintain public safety. As the bill moves through the legislative process, it is likely to remain a flashpoint in the ongoing conversation about immigration, law enforcement, and the role of state governments in shaping federal policies.