A California sheriff has expressed willingness to work with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers if certain undocumented immigrants are released from his county jail, stating that it is his responsibility as an officer of the law.
"I just feel it's my duty as sheriff," Amador County Sheriff Gary Redman told The Sacramento Bee.
However, California legislation only allows jail operators to cooperate with ICE in that way, and only under specific circumstances. Senate Bill 54, also known as the California Values Act, limits the ability of law enforcement officers to collaborate with ICE, including prohibiting officers from assisting ICE officials in making arrests.
President Donald Trump already attempted to challenge this law in court during his first presidential term but was unsuccessful.
Redman has stated that he wants to be able to notify ICE when an undocumented inmate is being released from jail.
"I'm sure the ACLU is going to love me on this one," he said.
Sheriffs are permitted to contact ICE if inmates have been convicted of a violent crimes including murder, rape and assault, as well as in cases of burglary, robbery and theft, hence Redman might have legal standing to notify ICE.
"The public statements that he's making don't inspire safety, don't inspire trust in his office among the immigrant community," Maria Romani, the director of the Immigrants' Rights Program at the ACLU of Northern California, told the Bee. "If he does violate the law, I hope the Attorney General's Office takes a close look."
The California Attorney General's Office said they are closely monitoring law enforcement compliance with state laws in regards to immigration.
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