The 2018 California Values Act

Part One of this series was printed in the November 7, 2025 Newsletter.

Part Two: A Local Perspective

Obvious violations of due process and the ongoing dismantling of the rule of law under the current administration, guided by America First and the Heritage Foundation, are grave dangers to our democracy. Abhorrent tactics employed by U.S. Department of Homeland Security agencies, federal militarization of policing in mostly Democratic urban spaces, and aggressive efforts to control the public narrative and media are challenging vital legal guardrails protecting us from tyrannical rule. The California Values Act, SB 54, is one of those guardrails.

Not featured in the media, rural counties can escape attention because of our distance from the more visible violations being executed daily in urban areas. But neither Tuolumne County nor other rural communities are exempt from the twisted immigration policy enforcement seen today.

Close to home, the sheriff of Amador County publicly declared his intent to defy California’s SB 54 by contacting immigration authorities after arrests, citing federal law as justification. Conversely, Tuolumne County Sheriff David Vasquez reassured a town hall audience that his officers are not in the business of immigration enforcement. But he also must permit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to execute their activities without intervention.

Associate Director of Resiliency Village, Alma Ibarra, argues, “Immigration enforcement carried out in drastic and punitive ways like mass deportations and detentions harms both immigrant communities and the nation as a whole. The loss of billions of dollars contributed by these communities, combined with the high costs of enforcement, is deeply damaging to the economy on both micro and macro levels. Schools suffer as students stay home out of fear, and hate crimes and racism rise as some individuals act on anti-immigrant sentiment.”

As a person interviewed for this article said particularly well, “[Immigrants] come here with a dream. For them, this is the land of opportunity. They don’t come here to get free money, welfare, or help. They come here to work hard to be able to provide for their families. They also bring important values to this country like being resilient, responsible, respectful, and hospitable.”

Despite her concerns, Ibarra offered a possible vision for our nation and community. “If the United States focused on immigration reform and offered a path to permanent residency, the economy would likely grow because immigrants could work more securely, spend more, pay taxes, and start viable businesses. Communities would become safer because immigrants would be more willing to report crimes and cooperate with law enforcement. Families could stay together, children could attend school regularly, and more people could access healthcare. Overall, this would strengthen communities, improve public safety, and recognize the important contributions immigrants make to society.”

As we know, our immigrant neighbors are a vital part of our Tuolumne County community. In reflecting on how local agencies should balance reporting serious criminal offenses with protecting immigrant communities, District 3 Supervisor candidate Tim McCaffrey said, “We need protocols that separate immigration concerns from public safety. Trust is the foundation of safe communities, and when immigrant families know local agencies are focused on protecting them rather than enforcing federal immigration laws, everyone benefits.”

Because the current administration is targeting immigrants and people of color without due process, we have a duty to protect our neighbors. If we work together, we can do our best to bring Alma Ibarra’s beautiful vision to life.

NOTES

1. “California Values Act (SB 54),” ACLU Southern California, June 10, 2019.
2. “Engaging Your Board of Supervisors on the California Values Act,” ACLU California, 2018.