Senator Skinner Holds Briefing with City Officials and Law Enforcement to Prepare for Possible Increase in ICE Raids
Oakland, California – In the wake of reports last week that federal Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would potentially target Northern California and the Bay Area for deportation sweeps, State Senator Nancy Skinner met Monday morning with city administrators and representatives of law enforcement in her District for briefings on new state laws that bar local agencies and employers from voluntarily assisting ICE enforcement.
“The threat of ICE sweeps is another Trump intimidation tactic that East Bay communities are prepared to actively resist,” said Senator Skinner. “Today’s briefing will help our city leaders and local law enforcement promote awareness that without a subpoena or warrant, ICE can’t force employers or others to cooperate.”
Senator Skinner held two meetings, one in Oakland and one in Richmond. Briefings were conducted by Angela Sierra, Senior Assistant Attorney General State of California, Civil Rights Enforcement Section; Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley; and a lead representative of Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton. The briefings focused on provisions in SB 54 and AB 450 that prohibit state and local agencies, local law enforcement, and employers from voluntarily assisting federal agents in immigration enforcement.
Senator Skinner pledged that her office would be doing additional outreach to employers and business groups so they are aware that AB 450, which went into effect January 1, regulates what employers can and can not do when approached by ICE agents.
“Fear about immigration enforcement affects everyone: residents, workplaces, schools and community agencies” said Skinner. “No one wants their customers, workers, clients or students to be afraid of going about their daily business. Everyone, undocumented or not, should be assured we’re working together to protect their rights and safety.”
Emeryville Mayor John Bauters praised Senator Skinner’s efforts, saying “Every day, roughly 40,000 people come to Emeryville to work at hundreds of large and small employers. This meeting helped our city prepare so we can ease people’s fears and keep Emeryville working.”
Senator Nancy Skinner (@NancySkinnerCA) represents the 9th Senate District. She serves as Chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee and the Budget Subcommittee on Corrections, Public Safety and the Judiciary.
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