Who?
Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego)
Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa)
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco
San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson
San Diego County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association
El Cajon Mayor Bills Wells
Vista Mayor John Franklin
San Marcos City Councilman Ed Musgrove
Sharie Finn, Mother of a Survivor, Child Welfare Advocate, Founder of The RAD Movement
Amy Reichert, Founder of Restore San Diego
Additional San Diego Community Activists
What?
At the press conference, Jones will announce the introduction of his new legislation, "Safety Before Criminal Sanctuary," to overhaul California’s “Sanctuary State” law. Specifically, the bill will prevent local jurisdictions from passing sanctuary city measures stronger than current law (as seen with the San Diego County Board of Supervisors), and will require law enforcement to cooperate with ICE for violent offenders and specific crimes.
Where?
San Diego County Administration Building: 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
Click here for a map of the specific location (section 12 on the map).
A live stream of the press conference will be available here.
When?
TOMORROW, Friday, February 21, 2025
Leader Jones will be available for interviews and additional questions after the press conference.
Media interested in an interview with Leader Jones following the press conference, please contact Nina Fisher by email Nina.Fisher@sen.ca.gov .
Why?
SB 54 (De León, 2017) designated California as a sanctuary state, restricting the use of state and local resources for federal immigration enforcement. However, the law included exceptions allowing—though not requiring—local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE for individuals convicted of serious or violent crimes, including those on the Sex and Arson Registry, convicted felons with “serious or violent” charges, or convicted felons punishable by imprisonment in state prison.
San Diego County recently passed an ordinance declaring itself a “Super Sanctuary County,” banning law enforcement from cooperating with ICE for any offense—even those exempted under SB 54—unless a federal warrant is issued. This ordinance makes it easier for undocumented immigrants charged with violent crimes, gang activity, or weapons offenses to return to San Diego County streets. This ordinance not only undermines public safety but also increases the county’s misalignment with federal law.
Leader Jones’s new legislation will overhaul California’s Sanctuary State law and ensure violent offenders are not shielded from federal immigration authorities.