El Dorado County DA speaks out against sanctuary state bill

Vern Pierson, the El Dorado County District Attorney, testified against the "Sanctuary State Bill" in Sacramento on Wednesday.

Pierson spoke before the California Assembly Judiciary Committee.

"I’m strongly opposed to making California a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants," Pierson said. "Local, state and federal law enforcement officers need to be able to communicate with each other in regard to an important issue like immigration enforcement."

If Senate Bill 54 were to pass, state and local law enforcement would not be allowed to cooperate with immigration authorities.

"I believe this bill is an unconstitutional overreach that will ultimately be struck down in courts and places in jeopardy millions in federal grants," he added.

Those supporting the bill in Sacramento say it will bar law enforcement from using their resources to help federal immigration enforcement including deportation.

The bill passed the California Senate on April 3 by a vote of 27-12, a party line vote. It has been amended after facing heavy opposition from law enforcement across the state. In is currently still at the committee level in the California Assembly.