On Thursday, a federal judge blocked efforts to prevent California from putting restrictions on the cooperation that local law enforcement can give to immigration agents. It is a victory for the ‘sanctuary’ policies of the state, which drew predictable responses from both sides of the political aisle.
US District Judge, John A Mendez, rejected the Trump administration’s position that the law in California is a deliberate attempt to block immigration enforcement, saying that not helping does not equate to impeding. The legality of another California law, which allows the attorney general of the state to visit federal immigration detention centers, was also upheld by the judge. But, Mendez did not uphold a third law, which would have fined private business employers for allowing immigration agents to come to their workplace.
The laws are a clear attempt by California Democrats to push back against the zeal of the Trump administration’s efforts in cutting down on illegal immigration, with Governor, Jerry Brown, and leaders of the Legislature insisting they California is under no obligation to help carry out such an agenda. Mendez said that he expects an appeal against his rulings.
Federal officials praised the workplace inspection law victory, with a written statement from Devin O’Malley, a spokesman for the Justice Department, saying that the agency will continue to fight unjust policies that threaten public safety despite their disappointment over the other laws being upheld.