Federal Push for Immigration Data Faces Resistance from LA County Over State Law Protections

L.A. County Sheriff’s car (Photo – Akino601)

Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis has responded to a recent request from the U.S. Department of Justice urging California counties to report information on non-citizen inmates, including their charges and release dates.

By News Desk

In a public statement, Solis emphasized the logistical and legal challenges such a request would present, noting that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department does not collect immigration status information during the inmate intake process.

“As Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna has shared, the Sheriff’s Department would face significant challenges in responding to any request from the U.S. Department of Justice for a list of non-citizens in custody,” Solis said. “The department does not collect immigration status information during the intake process.”

Solis added that any federal request would be carefully reviewed in consultation with County Counsel to ensure full compliance with both state and county laws and policies. She underscored her role in shaping those policies, which currently limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

“The Sheriff’s Department only transfers individuals to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when presented with a valid judicial warrant,” Solis said. “In light of this, we will not be pressured by the Trump Administration into actions that violate SB 54, the California Values Act, and County policy, or compromise the principles of due process and equal treatment under the law.”

California’s SB 54, also known as the California Values Act, restricts local law enforcement agencies from using resources to investigate, detain, or arrest individuals for immigration enforcement purposes.

Earlier in the day, Solis condemned the T. Administration’s decision to share Medicaid recipient data with ICE, calling it a disturbing and unlawful violation of HIPAA that endangers vulnerable low-income and undocumented residents. She emphasized that this breach undermines trust in healthcare and threatens the safety of millions in Los Angeles County, particularly the 600,000 undocumented individuals on Medi-Cal. Solis pledged to protect residents’ rights and plans to push for the County to join the State’s lawsuit against the administration for this illegal disclosure.