Republican state Rep. Bill Essayli is working to introduce a bill that would force California Democrats to go on the record regarding sanctuary protections for illegal immigrants convicted of sex crimes against minors. The bill, AB 2641, would require law enforcement to comply with federal immigration requests to detain or transfer someone or notify immigration agents of the pending release of someone convicted of sex crimes against a child. Essayli’s goal is to hold Democrats accountable for protecting individuals convicted of such heinous crimes by forcing them to justify and defend their policy.
Essayli’s decision to introduce this bill was inspired by a recent case in which a Colombian citizen convicted of sex crimes in California was arrested in Massachusetts by ICE agents after being released from a correctional facility in California. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office was unable to assist due to California state law limiting local law enforcement cooperation with ICE. By targeting illegal immigrants convicted of sex crimes against children, Essayli hopes to put Democrats on the defensive and force them to explain why such individuals should be protected from deportation. In doing so, he believes he can challenge the prevailing sanctuary state policy without facing backlash from sympathetic cases.
The powerful Democratic-dominated Assembly Public Safety Committee has previously refused to hold a hearing on similar bills aimed at repealing provisions of the state’s sanctuary law, SB 54. Rather than addressing concerns about protecting pedophiles from deportation, the committee continues to shield these individuals from scrutiny. This has sparked outrage from communities affected by such crimes, with individuals like Agnes Gibboney, a U.S. citizen and Angel Mom, speaking out against elected officials who prioritize the interests of certain classes of people over public safety. Gibboney argues that lawmakers should be working for the benefit of all communities, not just selected groups.
Essayli’s approach to challenging California’s sanctuary state policy involves highlighting specific cases of individuals convicted of the most serious crimes, such as those involving sex offenses against minors. By focusing on such extreme cases rather than a blanket reversal of sanctuary protections, Essayli hopes to shift the conversation and force Democrats to justify their stance. This strategy aims to prevent opponents from presenting sympathetic cases that could undermine efforts to revoke sanctuary protections. By framing the issue in terms of protecting vulnerable populations, Essayli seeks to gain support for his bill and hold lawmakers accountable for their decisions.
The need for comprehensive immigration reform in California is underscored by the failure of lawmakers to prioritize public safety and justice for victims of violent crimes. By introducing legislation that targets illegal immigrants convicted of sex crimes against children, Essayli is challenging the status quo and demanding accountability from Democrats who have upheld sanctuary protections. Agnes Gibboney, along with other advocates, is urging lawmakers to support initiatives that prioritize the safety and well-being of all communities, rather than protecting individuals who have committed egregious offenses. Ultimately, the push for legislative action reflects a broader debate over the role of local law enforcement and the responsibilities of elected officials in addressing complex immigration issues.
