El Cajon is challenging Senate Bill 54, the sanctuary state law signed by Governor Jerry Brown in 2017. The city argues that the policy restricts law enforcement's ability to perform its duties and violates federal law. The America First Policy Institute is representing the city in the litigation.
Richard Lawson, with the America First Policy Institute, contends that California's policies breach a section of federal law prohibiting anyone from encouraging or inducing undocumented immigrants to reside in the United States. He points to provisions covering disability benefits access, advance warning of immigration enforcement actions, and restrictions on law enforcement inquiries about immigration status as evidence the law is designed to encourage illegal residence.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta defended the statute, stating that SB 54 is a public safety measure encouraging witnesses and crime victims to cooperate with law enforcement without fear of immigration consequences. Bonta noted the law has withstood repeated court challenges and said the state is prepared to defend it again.
The lawsuit marks a continued clash over immigration enforcement between the city and state, with El Cajon contending the sanctuary law undermines police effectiveness while state officials maintain it enhances community trust with law enforcement.
