NDLON Statement on Affirmation of SB54’s Constitutionality

Los Angeles, CA – Today, U.S. District Court Judge John Mendez, a George W. Bush appointee, denied the Trump Administration’s request to enjoin SB 54 (“The California VALUES Act, Sen de León), finding it a “permissible exercise[] of California’s sovereign power.”

The following is a statement by Chris Newman, NDLON Legal Director:

“We’ve long known SB 54 was fully permitted by the Constitution, and today’s decision removes any doubt. SB54 was enacted to protect California’s residents and specifically its immigrant residents. It is now clear the defense of SB 54 will also serve to protect core constitutional values shared by all.

“But the implementation and legal vindication of SB 54 has recently taken on a new meaning, serving as a political and policy blueprint—as a starting point for those seeking to remove ICE from their communities. Local elected officials have a moral and legal obligation to defend their residents from the barbaric actions of ICE, a rogue federal agency. And, ironically, the Trump Administration’s attacks on California’s sanctuary policies have only emboldened the growing consensus that ICE should be abolished wholesale.

“Now that it is abundantly clear SB54 is fully constitutional, we hope lawmakers will replicate and expand upon it.”

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