California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a motion to dismiss Huntington Beach’s lawsuit challenging Senate Bill 54, the “California Values Act,” which limits local involvement in federal immigration enforcement. The motion argues the city lacks standing. The Ninth Circuit previously upheld SB 54, ruling it “does not directly conflict with any obligations that [federal law] impose[s] on state or local governments.”
“California made a choice when it passed SB 54: To use our resources to protect public safety and to maintain trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve,” said Bonta. “Huntington Beach is attempting to relitigate settled law… I respectfully urge the court to dismiss this meritless lawsuit.”
Passed in 2017, SB 54 restricts California law enforcement from aiding immigration enforcement but allows for exceptions involving serious crimes. The Supreme Court declined to overturn prior rulings upholding the law. Bonta remains committed to defending immigrant rights. Full details are at oag.ca.gov/immigrant/.
