Law enforcement: immigration enforcement.

Senator Jones, joined by eight Senate coauthors, proposes modifications to California's law enforcement cooperation with immigration authorities through amendments to the California Values Act. The legislation revises when and how state and local law enforcement may interact with federal immigration officials.

The bill transforms currently optional cooperation between law enforcement and immigration authorities into required action in specific circumstances. These mandatory interactions would apply when individuals have been convicted of enumerated serious offenses, including violent felonies, human trafficking, gang-related crimes, and weapons violations. Law enforcement agencies would be required to share release date information for qualifying individuals, provided such cooperation does not violate federal, state, or local laws.

The measure prohibits local jurisdictions from enacting ordinances that place additional restrictions on law enforcement agencies regarding immigration enforcement beyond those established in state law. Law enforcement agencies participating in joint task forces with federal authorities must submit annual reports to the Department of Justice detailing the purpose of the task force, participating agencies, total arrests, and immigration-related arrests. These records would be publicly accessible under the California Public Records Act, with provisions for redacting sensitive information that could compromise investigations or individual safety.

The Legislature declares these provisions address matters of statewide concern rather than municipal affairs, making them applicable to all California cities, including charter cities. The bill includes provisions for state reimbursement to local agencies for costs incurred from implementing these new requirements, subject to review by the Commission on State Mandates.