Attorney General Becerra Rejects Trump Administration's Continued Attack on California's Laws

SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra continued his defense of California’s laws in United States v. California. In filing an answering brief, Attorney General Becerra urged the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to reject the Trump Administration’s appeal that seeks to block the enforcement of California laws that provide for the safety, health, and welfare of its people.

“The Trump Administration’s attempts to undermine California and break the trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve is reckless and a detriment to public safety,” said Attorney General Becerra. “We will continue to defend our constitutional authority to protect our residents and defend the rule of law against the Trump Administration.”

On July 5, 2018, Attorney General Becerra secured a legal victory in United States v. California, when a judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California denied the federal government’s motion for a preliminary injunction against three California laws: SB 54, the California Values Act; AB 103, relating to the review of immigration detention facilities; and portions of AB 450, relating to workplace inspection notices. On July 9, 2018, Attorney General Becerra secured the dismissal of the United States’ claims in their entirety with respect to SB 54 and AB 103, and in part regarding AB 450. On August 7, 2018, the Trump Administration appealed the denial of its request to block the enforcement of SB 54, AB 103 and sections of AB 450.

In the brief, Attorney General Becerra explains that California law is consistent with federal law. California law permits state and local law enforcement to assist in immigration enforcement efforts in appropriate cases, such as those involving violent criminals. Attorney General Becerra also argues that enjoining the laws would compromise public safety and undermine the state’s health, welfare, and labor protections.

A copy of the brief can be found here.