To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): County Administrator and County Counsel
Staff Name and Phone Number: 707-565-2241
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
2025 Federal Policy Changes
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
A) Discussion of anticipated federal policy changes.
B) Consider adopting a Resolution upholding the civil rights, dignity, health, and safety of our immigrant population and all Sonoma County community members.
end
Executive Summary:
This item provides an opportunity for the Board to discuss estimated community impacts from anticipated federal policy changes in 2025. Additionally, it presents a resolution drafted by Sup. Hopkins and Sup. Coursey intended to uphold the civil rights, dignity, health, and safety of our immigrant population and all Sonoma County community members.
Discussion:
A. The following information is provided by staff as reference for the Board’s discussion.
SB 54 <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB54> “Law enforcement: sharing data” (De León, Chapter 495) was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in 2017 during President Trump’s first term. In 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice attempted to challenge the constitutionality of SB 54 but was ultimately unsuccessful. Sometimes referred to as the “California Values Act” or the “Sanctuary State” law, SB 54 limits the use of state and local resources in cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The County of Sonoma utilizes local resources consistent with SB 54 or the “Sanctuary State” law.
During FY 2024-2025 budget hearings, the Board approved $300,000 in grant funds to Secure Families Collaborative <https://sonomacountysecurefamilies.org/> for the purpose of providing support services to immigrant families. The detailed scope of services to be provided are included as Attachment A to this item. During FY 2024-2025 budget hearings, the Board also approved $500,000 in grant funds to Legal Aid of Sonoma County <https://legalaidsc.org/> for housing program support. Funds are being used to continue a program that aims to prevent homelessness by representing tenants, often members of immigrant communities, in various legal situations that place them at risk of eviction. Use of funds for these programs and services is in compliance with Government Code section 26227, which allows the Board to fund programs to meet the social needs of the Sonoma County residents.
The Secure Families Collaborative legal team, in partnership with other Sonoma County organizations, organized a series of immigration legal support clinics through January 12, 2024. A second series is currently in the planning stages in collaboration with a much larger coalition and will be rolled out after the presidential inauguration. The County Communications team has been sharing available clinic information through social media.
In addition to available local immigration services, the California Office of the Attorney General <https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-reminds-california-immigrants-their-rights-and> lists several resources for residents to access free and low-cost legal assistance:
• LawHelpCA <https://www.lawhelpca.org/issues/immigration>.org offers legal aid for a variety of immigration issues.
• ImmigrationLawHelp.org <https://www.immigrationlawhelp.org/search?state=CA> offer legal assistance to low-income immigrants.
B. A Resolution for the Board’s consideration was drafted by Supervisors Coursey and Hopkins and reviewed by County Counsel to ensure alignment with current laws. It is intended to uphold the civil rights, dignity, health, and safety of our immigrant population and all Sonoma County community members. See Attachment B.
Strategic Plan:
• Healthy and Safe Communities
• Racial Equity and Social Justice
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
September 12, 2017. Item #21. Board Adopted Resolution to Protect and Support Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA) Participants. <https://sonoma-county.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=683&meta_id=212475>
February 7, 2017. Item # 54A. Board approved Minute Order and Resolution on Immigrant Services and Protections. <https://sonoma-county.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=683&meta_id=212475>
Fiscal Summary
To be Determined
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
N/A
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Attachment A - Board-funded Secure Families Collaborative support services for immigrant communities in Sonoma County
Attachment B - Resolution on the dignity, health, and safety of all Sonoma County residents.
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None