BALLOT MEASURE WOULD END SANCTUARY CITIES IN CALIFORNIA, REQUIRE STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES TO ASK IMMIGRATION STATUS

East County Magazine

Photo: Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility at Otay Mesa

November 16, 2015 (Sacramento) -- A proposed ballot initiative submitted to the California Secretary of State takes aim at sanctuary cities that shelter undocumented immigrants from deportation under certain circumstances.

Called the “Davis-Oliver and Kate’s Law, Protecting Americans,” the measure would require all law enforcement officials or other agencies in California to verify immigration status. That includes contacts made by law enforcement and also agencies determining eligibility for public benefits, services or licenses.

The measure further requires law enforcement, If notified that an arrested person is in the U.S. illegally, the arresting agency must notify Homeland Security. If informed by Homeland Security that an immigrant detainer has been issued, the state or local law enforcement agency is prohibited from releasing the person and must transfer them to federal custody, where they could face deportation.

View the full text here:  http://www.oag.ca.gov/system/files/initiatives/pdfs/15-0099%20%28Immigration%29_0.pdf?

Public comments are being accepted through November 28.

The proposed initiative was submitted by Ted Hilton on behalf of Jerry Mailhot, a Del Mar resident.

California has about 35 sanctuary cities, including San Diego.   Legislation to stop sanctuary cities failed to win passage in the State Senate in late October.

The Secretary of State has not yet approved the measure for circulation to obtain the required signatures necessary to qualify it for the November 2016 ballot.