FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2018

Contact: Denis Bilodeau, 714-749-6386

Orange County Supervisors votes to join the Department of Justice litigation against California State Law Senate Bill 54 “California Values Act”

SANTA ANA, CA— Today on a vote of 4-0, the Board of Supervisors authorized and directed County Counsel to intervene in the pending case United States v. California, Case #18-264 on behalf of the County of Orange. The Department of Justice’s lawsuit seeks to restore the federal government’s Constitutional authority and sole jurisdiction over immigration issues and end the existing conflict that local law enforcement encounters with state law. The County of Orange seeks to join this lawsuit.

This action seeks a temporary restraining order to stop enforcement of Senate Bill 54 that restricts local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Currently under SB 54 local law enforcement is unable to provide information of the release date of removable criminal aliens in custody. “The State of California has over-reached by pre-empting federal immigration law and is creating a public safety risk by allowing deportable criminal aliens back onto our streets upon their release from custody” said Supervisor Nelson. “This law undermines local law enforcement efforts to keep known criminals in custody” added Nelson.

“Since January 1st, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department released 172 inmates who were in the country illegally into the community because SB 54 prohibited us from notifying ICE” said Shawn Nelson.

Supervisor Nelson represents the cities of Fullerton, Anaheim, Buena Park, La Habra, Placentia and Brea on the Orange County Board of Supervisors.