‘Sanctuary state’ bill approved by Calif. lawmakers
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California lawmakers approved a “sanctuary state” bill on Saturday that would put new restrictions on interactions between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, drawing the ire of federal officials who argued the legislation prioritizes politics over public safety.
The bill, known as SB-54, is intended to bolster the state’s immigrant protections, which are already among the toughest in the nation.
The legislation will now be considered by Gov. Jerry Brown, who announced his support after the top state Senate leader agreed to water down the bill and preserve authority for jail and prison officials to cooperate with immigration officers in many cases.
The legislation is the latest effort by Democratic lawmakers in California, home to an estimated 2.3 million immigrants without legal authorization, to create barriers to President Donald Trump’s campaign pledge to step up deportation efforts. They’ve also approved money for legal assistance and college scholarships for people living illegally in the U.S., and made it harder for businesses and government agencies to disclose people’s immigration status.
California lawmakers are debating the measure as the U.S. Congress considers offering legal status to young immigrants whose parents brought them into the country illegally or overstayed their visas.
“This comes as a relief that there are some legislators that are really listening,” said Pablo Alvarado, executive director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network.
The measure cleared the Legislature with support only from Democrats over the objection of Republicans who say it will protect criminals and make it harder for law-enforcement to keep people safe.
Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, introduced SB54 shortly after Trump’s election to cut off most interactions between federal immigration agents and local police and sheriff’s officers. Following sharp dissent from law enforcement officials and Brown’s intervention, it was scaled back significantly.
The final version prohibits law enforcement officials from asking about a person’s immigration status or participating in immigration enforcement efforts. It also prohibits law enforcement officials from being deputized as immigration agents or arresting people on civil immigration warrants.
Police and sheriff’s officials, including jail officers, will still be able to work with federal immigration authorities if a person has been convicted of one of some 800 crimes, mostly felonies and misdemeanors that can be charged as felonies.
I-8, Araby Road — ADOT
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are improving the Interstate 8 and Araby Road (SR 195) traffic interchange to improve safety and ease traffic congestion. Crews will construct two-lane modern roundabouts and associated ramps to I-8 and Gila Ridge Road. This project also includes construction of storm drains, a retention basin, concrete barriers and retaining walls and installing lighting and landscaping.
Per ADOT, crews are currently working on the north side of Interstate 8 as part of this project. Drivers should be aware of the following traffic-control changes and restrictions that are in effect as of Sept. 6:
• Traffic has shifted away from the critical construction zone and the northern roundabout and temporary traffic signals have been removed.
• Left turns from northbound Araby Road to westbound I-8 will be restricted. Drivers should use alternate routes, such as US 95 or 24th Street.
• The westbound I-8 offramp at Araby Road closed as of Sept. 6 and will not reopen until mid-October. Drivers can use Avenue 3E as an alternate route.
Through November, work is scheduled to occur during daylight hours, Mondays through Fridays; however, an extended work schedule might be necessary as the project progresses. ADOT will maintain one lane of travel in both directions on Araby Road. Drivers should allow extra travel time and consider using alternate routes including Avenue 3E and Avenue 8½ E.
Update per ADOT: Farm equipment operators will have a one-hour window each morning to move through the Araby Road work zone at I-8. ADOT has designated 10-11 a.m. as a travel window for farm equipment operators to move through the area where ADOT crews are building new roundabouts