California sheriff says immigration law a federal, not local, law enforcement responsibility

Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes asserted his department's commitment to only enforcing state and local laws, despite increased pressure from the Trump administration to collaborate on immigration enforcement. He criticized California's sanctuary laws for limiting local law enforcement's ability to assist federal authorities. Barnes maintains that his department will prioritize public safety, not immigration status, stating, "we do not ask the immigration status of victims, witnesses, or those reporting crimes." He recognizes federal immigration issues as a significant threat but believes local police should focus on their established mandates.

"We do not, and never will, ask the immigration status of victims, witnesses, suspects or those who call to report crimes. We enforce state and local laws equally, without bias, and without concern for your citizenship."

"While Barnes made clear that immigration law was not part of his department's primary vision, he also wrote that the crisis at our southern border has put our nation at risk."

Read at www.ocregister.com