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Today, Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita) introduced necessary amendments to Senate Joint Resolution Nine (SJR 9) on the Senate floor. Senate Democrats introduced SJR 9 to denounce immigration raids in California, but Valladares’ amendments to the resolution provided critical context, including the failed policies that led to the immigration raids. Before the amendments were rejected by the majority party, Valladares made comments on the Senate floor.
“We can’t condemn immigration enforcement actions without first addressing the flawed policies that got us here,” said Valladares. “During the Biden Administration, over 10 million individuals entered this country illegally. California’s response? SB 54, a so-called “sanctuary state” policy, which has prohibited local law enforcement from coordinating with federal immigration authorities, pushing enforcement into our communities and work places.”
“We need to repeal SB 54,” Valladares continued. “I was encouraged to see the U.S. Attorney General take legal action against Los Angeles for violating federal immigration law. And it’s time for this body to follow suit.”
Earlier this year, Sen Valladares co-authored SB 554 which would have required local law enforcement to coordinate with federal immigration authorities— particularly in cases involving convicted violent felons. The majority party rejected SB 554.
With the rejection of Sen Valladares’ amendments to SJR 9, the majority party also rejected providing critical context, including major policy reasons for the situation we are in today.
SJR 9 amendments presented by Sen Valladares can be found here.