Gov. Jerry Brown signs “sanctuary state” bill into law

Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill into law Thursday that protects California’s undocumented residents from federal immigration authorities.

Senate Bill 54, unofficially known as the “sanctuary state” bill, reduces the extent to which local law enforcement can provide federal authorities with information regarding undocumented immigrants. California has more than 2 million undocumented immigrants, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

The bill also prevents California law enforcement officials from inquiring about a detainee’s immigration status. Immigration authorities can still seek help from California officials on cases in which undocumented individuals have been convicted of certain crimes.

Brown said in a statement the bill does not prohibit California sheriffs from allowing immigration authorities access to jails for the purpose of conducting routine interviews.

In November 2016, the University of California issued a statement of principles in support of undocumented students stating that campus police officers will not work with federal agencies to enforce immigration law.