Sheriff’s Department Finds Way to Communicate With ICE Without Violating Sanctuary State Law

A border patrol vehicle patrols along a recently constructed section of the border fence expansion between Yuma, Ariz., and Calexico, Calif., on March 14, 2009. David McNew/Getty Images

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has complained that California’s “Sanctuary State Law,” SB54, has made it difficult to enforce the law and comply with federal authorities.

Among other restrictions, the law stipulates that state and local law enforcement are prohibited from holding illegal aliens on the basis of federal immigration detainers or transferring them into federal custody. It also prohibits state and local law enforcement from asking anyone about their immigration status or sharing any information with federal authorities.