California Values Act

The California Values Act prohibits the use of state and local resources for federal immigration enforcement, ensuring that public institutions like schools, hospitals, and courthouses remain accessible and safe for all residents.

It’s often referred to as California’s “sanctuary state” law since its primary aim is to make sure immigrant residents can interact with local police, hospitals, and schools without the fear of detainment or deportation.

The California Values Act (SB 54) was enacted in 2017 and has been in effect since January 1, 2018. There are several key protections under the California Values Act, including:

• Restricts Information Sharing. Local law enforcement cannot share non-public personal information, such as home or work addresses, with federal immigration agents for enforcement purposes.
• Prohibits Interrogation/Inquiry. Police and sheriffs are generally barred from asking about a person’s immigration status or investigating someone solely for suspected immigration violations.
• Bans Immigration “Holds”. This means that local jails cannot hold individuals beyond their scheduled release date just to allow ICE agents time to pick them up.
• Limits Custody Transfers. Local law enforcement cannot transfer individuals to federal immigration custody without a judicial warrant, unless the person has been convicted of specific serious or violent crimes.
• Safe Spaces. The law establishes that public schools, health facilities, and courthouses are considered safe zones where immigration enforcement activities are strictly curtailed.

As of early 2026, California has strengthened these protections in response to increased federal immigration activity. Legislation further protects schools and hospitals, requiring judicial warrants for ICE access to classrooms or emergency rooms and mandating that federal agents be clearly identifiable.

In January 2025 and 2026, Attorney General Rob Bonta issued updated mandates that prevent local agencies from diverting public safety resources to assist federal mass-deportation agendas.

Also, cities like Oakland and San Diego have enacted local executive orders to further block the use of city-owned property for federal processing or staging areas.

Know Your Rights

It’s important to understand your rights under this Act, since there are nearly 48 million non-citizen residents in the United States, which equals approximately 14 percent of the total population.

You should understand your rights under the California Values Act. Under this Act:

Police and Sheriff:

• Cannot arrest you only for having a deportation order
• Cannot arrest you for most other immigration violations
• Cannot ask anything about your family’s immigration status
• Cannot share your personal information, such as your home address, with Border Patrol or ICE, unless it is publicly available information
• Cannot use Border Patrol or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as their interpreters
• If you are arrested by local police or sheriffs, you have the right to remain silent

State Prison Officials:

• Cannot limit your access to educational or rehabilitation programs
• Cannot allow immigration agents to interview you without your written consent
• Cannot consider your immigration status when determining your classification
• You have the right to remain silent

Call a Lawyer

If your rights were violated under the California Values Act, call a lawyer immediately. A lawyer can help hold state and local agencies accountable if they illegally cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. They can help file a complaint against the law enforcement agency involved and explore your legal options. A lawyer can discuss bringing a civil claim seeking damages or injunctive relief.

FAQs

Can Local Police Enforce Immigration Under the California Values Act?

No, local and state police in California are prohibited from enforcing civil immigration law under the California Values Act (SB 54). This means they cannot use local funds or personnel to investigate, interrogate, or arrest anyone solely for immigration purposes. Contact a lawyer to discuss your options and take legal action if you notice a violation under the California Value Act.

Can ICE Ask for Immigration Status in California Under the California Values Act?

Yes, ICE agents can still ask for your immigration status in California, as they are federal officers and are not bound by the state’s California Values Act. However, the Act strictly limits how local and state officials can interact with ICE. Yet, even if ICE agents ask, you are not legally required to answer them. You have a constitutional right to remain silent, regardless of your immigration status. You can clearly state, “I choose to remain silent.”

Is It Legal for Law Enforcement to Ask About Immigration Status in California?

No, it is generally illegal for state and local law enforcement in California to ask about your immigration status. Under the California Values Act (SB 54), law enforcement agencies are strictly prohibited from using resources to investigate or interrogate individuals for immigration enforcement purposes. If law enforcement asks about your immigration status, you have a constitutional right to remain silent and can clearly state, “I choose to remain silent.”

What Kind of Attorney Can Help With a Violation of the California Value Act?

An immigration attorney who is licensed in California can help with a potential violation of the California Value Act. While SB 54 is a state law, immigration lawyers are knowledgeable about the intersection of local policing and federal law enforcement. They can help determine if a local officer’s actions exceeded the narrow exceptions allowed under the California Value Act.

Hire an Immigration Lawyer – Call U.S. Law Center Today

If you need to hire an immigration lawyer knowledgeable about the California Value Act, connect with the U.S. Law Center. Since immigration law is constantly evolving, we stay at the forefront of legal shifts to provide our clients with the most current and effective advocacy.

At U.S. Law Center, we offer full-service immigration and California Value Act support for families and individuals. We provide both immediate and long-term solutions to the wide variety of challenges our clients face. If you need help with an immigration issue, we provide customized solutions for your family’s situation. We advocate for your rights and build a solid strategy that won’t risk your immigration plan.

Across California, we have provided legal support for thousands of clients. Se habla español. We accept credit cards, and our fees are competitive. Reach out to further discuss our background and our comprehensive legal and emotional support. Contact us to schedule a first consultation with our dedicated team.