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Sheriff's department outlines limits on local role in federal immigration enforcement
Summary
Orange County Sheriff's Department Chief Ackerman told Laguna Woods residents the department follows state law (SB 54 and related Government Code sections) and generally does not assist federal immigration enforcement except in limited circumstances for persons in custody with serious or violent felony convictions.
Chief Ackerman of the Orange County Sheriff's Department told the City Council of the City of Laguna Woods that the department’s practice is to prioritize enforcement of local and state laws and generally does not assist federal immigration enforcement officials.
"With regard to current immigration enforcement throughout the state of California or the nation, the sheriff's stance on this matters, go along with Senate Bill 54," Chief Ackerman said, adding that SB 54 and related provisions in the California Government Code "spell out exactly how local law enforcement can engage with immigration law enforcement."
Ackerman said the sheriff’s department will notify federal immigration authorities only when someone in county custody has been convicted of a serious or violent felony, a circumstance he said is specified by state law. He told the council his department does not ask victims, witnesses or suspects about immigration status when responding to calls for service.
Residents at the meeting asked whether federal immigration officials notify local law enforcement before conducting actions and whether federal agents have entered private property without consent. Chief Ackerman said he was not aware of federal agents entering private property in Orange County without consent and that, in general, federal agencies are not legally required to notify local law enforcement in advance. He also described the county department’s identification practices: sheriff's deputies produce badges and identify themselves when involved in a response, and the department uses undercover units that, once making contact, must show identification.
Council members and residents raised concerns about the appearance of unmarked agents and the possibility of confusion during law enforcement interactions. Ackerman said that lack of identification by any enforcement agency could be a public safety concern and that the sheriff's department’s response protocol aims to avoid "blue on blue" incidents.
The exchange occurred during the public comment portion of the council meeting; no formal action or ordinance was proposed or adopted on immigration policy at the meeting.
Direct quotations in this article are taken from the public transcript of the meeting.
