The San Francisco Board of Supervisors will introduce a non-binding resolution Tuesday asking San Francisco law enforcement officials to “opt out” of a federal program that will take away the city’s ability to decide who to report to immigration.
Immigration officials said, however, that the supervisors cannot “opt out” because the federal program, set to begin here next month, is required by law. Mayor Gavin Newsom has said through his spokesperson that he will implement the program.
Secure Communities uses a federal data base to cross checks fingerprints of any one detained. ICE is alerted if the person is undocumented. Already such checks are active in 20 states and 17 California counties including Los Angeles, Alameda, and Contra Costa.
Currently San Francisco law enforcement agencies only report undocumented suspects to ICE if they are arrested for a felony.
The ordinance scheduled to be introduced by Supervisor Mar would be the “first in the state,” to ask law enforcement agencies to decline to participate in Secure Communities.
Lin-Shao Chin, Mar’s legislative aide, said that they will try to opt out because the Department of Homeland Security requires a “letter of intent” to participate.
Local elected officials such as Sheriff Michael Hennessey and Supervisor David Campos have expressed concern that the policy undermines the cities Sanctuary City Policy.
