As of Monday, California became an official “sanctuary state” after the bill signed by Democrat Governor Jerry Brown took effect. As a sanctuary state, California law now bars local police from asking people about their immigration status or participating in federal immigration enforcement activities.
This law is an apparent defiance of the harsh immigration policies President Donald Trump implemented since he took office. Sanctuary cities seek to reduce the fear of deportation so that immigrants are more willing to report crimes, use health and social services, and enroll their children in school.
Some people, however, disagree with the movement, citing fear and distrust of immigrants. Starting the new year, a prankster attached an official-looking blue sign just below the legitimate “Welcome to California” marker on the 15 Freeway between LA and Las Vegas, which reads:
“Welcome to California. Official Sanctuary State.
Felons, Illegals, and MS13 Welcome!
Democrats Need The Votes!”
The blue sign is plastered with the Great Seal of California and a donkey, one of the symbols of the Democratic Party. It got noticed January 2nd when photos and videos began to spread.
The sign got reported by a California State Parks employee, but it was already down by the time deputies arrived to investigate.
This prank is very similar to one which took place after Malibu declared itself a sanctuary city in April 2017. That time, somebody placed a blue, official-looking sign beneath the Malibu City Limit marker, except the sign read:
“Malibu CITY LIMIT. Official Sanctuary City. ‘Cheap Nannies and Gardeners Make Malibu Great!’ (Boyle Heights Not So Much)”
California is home to an estimated 2.3 million undocumented immigrants. It’s disheartening to see these kinds of jokes.
This article was inspired by DAILY MAIL // ‘Felon, Illegals, and MS13 Welcome… Democrats need the votes!’ Joke signs pop up on California highways as it officially becomes a sanctuary state