Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has declared that his deputies will not be conducting immigration-related arrests. In a video statement released on Thursday, Bianco addressed growing concerns over law enforcement involvement in federal immigration enforcement, emphasizing that this responsibility lies solely with the federal government.
“Over the past several weeks, there has been an alarming increase in the concern over law enforcement and immigration,” Bianco said. “Let me make this clear. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and your deputies have not, are not, and will not engage in any type of immigration enforcement. That is the sole responsibility of the federal government.”
Bianco’s announcement comes as protests sweep across Southern California. Demonstrations in Los Angeles have continued for six consecutive days, with residents expressing fear over potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. The protests follow a series of executive orders issued by President Donald Trump that include efforts to end birthright citizenship, restrict asylum access, and use military forces at the border.
Despite growing anxiety among residents, Bianco insisted that reports of deputies conducting immigration raids in local communities are unfounded. He clarified that his department’s role is limited to cooperating with ICE when it comes to transferring custody of undocumented immigrants already held in Riverside County jails.
“Stories of deputies conducting raids at schools, businesses, and churches are simply not true,” Bianco affirmed. “I will do everything I can — within the confines of the sanctuary state laws of California — to cooperate with ICE to remove criminals from our jails.”
Bianco did not shy away from criticizing California’s sanctuary state law, known as SB 54 or the California Values Act. The law prohibits local law enforcement agencies from actively collaborating with federal immigration authorities to detain or arrest individuals solely for immigration violations. Bianco argued that this policy forces ICE agents to operate in local communities, which he described as “extremely dangerous.”
“I will fight to reform this legislation,” Bianco stated. “It puts both our communities and law enforcement at risk.”
While SB 54 restricts cooperation with ICE, it does allow for collaboration in cases involving individuals who have been deported for aggravated felonies. California Government Code Section 7284.6(b)(1) outlines this exception, enabling law enforcement to work with federal authorities when serious criminal offenses are involved.
Sheriff Bianco’s remarks come after he participates in a recent White House ceremony where President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act. The legislation, named after a child victim of violent crime, mandates the detention of non-U.S. citizens charged or convicted of offenses such as shoplifting, larceny, and burglary. The law expands current criteria for mandatory detention and also grants states the authority to sue the federal government over perceived failures in immigration enforcement.
Bianco was joined at the White House by other sheriffs, including Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. Both have voiced concerns over what they see as restrictions imposed by sanctuary policies, which they argue hinder efforts to protect public safety.
The debate over immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies has sparked intense discussions nationwide. Supporters of sanctuary laws argue that such policies build trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, encouraging victims and witnesses to report crimes without fear of deportation. Critics, however, claim that these laws prevent authorities from removing dangerous individuals from their jurisdictions.
Amid these tensions, protests against federal immigration policies continue to grow across Southern California. Demonstrators in downtown Los Angeles have blocked major roadways, including the 101 Freeway, and staged large rallies near government buildings. Student walkouts have also taken place in East and South Los Angeles as young people join the calls for immigrant rights.
Elizabeth Henriquez, a protester at one of the demonstrations earlier this week, emphasized the importance of solidarity and resistance. “The message is to the people: don’t be scared. We have rights as a community, as immigrants. Don’t be scared,” she said.
The ongoing protests and public outcry underscore the challenges faced by local authorities as they navigate complex legal and political pressures. For now, Sheriff Bianco is standing firm in his commitment to both uphold state laws and advocate for changes he believes are necessary for public safety.
With a hearing on potential legal challenges to California’s sanctuary policies expected in the coming weeks, the debate over immigration enforcement shows no signs of slowing down. Both sides of the issue are preparing for what could be a long battle over the future of immigration policy in California and across the nation.
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