California Attorney General Xavier Becerra (D) says his office “will prosecute” employers who cooperate with federal immigration officials to deport undocumented immigrants. On Thursday, Becerra alerted California employers that new state laws ban businesses from offering information on immigrant workers to ICE officials.
According to NTK Network, Becerra said, “There are new laws in place in California now in 2018. I mentioned two of them specifically, AB 450 and SB 54.” AB 450 employers are banned from having to reverify an employees’ immigration status that is not required by federal law.
Under SB 54, California is a “sanctuary state,” which bans public officials and employers from turning over criminal undocumented immigrants to federal officials. “What we’re trying to make sure is that employers are aware that in 2018, there is a new law in place,” said Becerra.
Becerra’s statement came at a time when rumors say ICE agents are planning massive raids across the state. According to Becerra, employers and businesses could face fines of up to $10,000 if they break SB 54.
“It’s important, given these rumors out there, to let people and more specifically employers know that if they voluntarily start giving up information about their employees in ways that contradict our new California laws, they subject themselves to actions by my office,” Becerra said.
The Department of Justice and the Labor Commission’s office will guide public and private employers on their responsibilities under the new law. ICE’s Director Thomas Homan told Fox News, “California better hold on tight. If the politicians in California don’t want to protect their communities, then ICE will.”
The Golden State became a Sanctuary State on January 1st after Gov. Jerry Brown signed the new law last year.
This article was inspired by Washington Examiner // California attorney general threatens legal action if employers assist federal immigration raids