LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The author of SB54 and a leading opponent of the measure appeared in a round-table discussion on Eyewitness Newsmakers.
California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon describes the bill he authored "The California Values Act," and says to describe it as a sanctuary state measure is a misnomer. He says the measure will prevent federal agents from rounding up undocumented prisoners in jails and deporting them, where they can return and commit more crime.
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Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell said there are policies in place now. He said ICE agents enter jails to take violent offenders after they have served their time with a safe custody transfer.
The two agreed on a number of issues, notably, the sheriff's emphasis on building trust in an immigrant community.
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SB54 passed the Senate and is scheduled for hearing in an Assembly committee on Tuesday.
Eyewitness Newsmakers airs at 11am Sundays on ABC7.