Former California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) expressed concern on Thursday that the state has exceeded the original intent of the sanctuary law he signed during his tenure. In an interview with Sacramento’s ABC10, Brown remarked that cities like San Francisco have taken sanctuary policies to an extreme, creating a near-complete separation between state and federal immigration enforcement.
“The bill that I signed had a number of exceptions,” Brown explained. “In other words, people who were convicted of violent crimes or…serious crimes were not getting any benefit of any so-called sanctuary.” He emphasized that the law was originally designed to distinguish state responsibilities from federal immigration duties, contrasting it with Texas’s approach, where state officials often take on roles resembling federal enforcement.
Brown noted that subsequent legislation expanded these policies beyond his initial framework, saying, “Some of the cities like San Francisco have gone way, way beyond in their effort to create a wall, almost a separation of state and federal government.” He warned that such extreme measures might prove unsustainable, especially as the broader political conversation shifts.
“Democrats are responding, saying we need to control the border, we need a more regular process to bring immigrants in,” Brown said, acknowledging growing public concern over immigration enforcement. Despite his critique, Brown asserted that California is not defying federal law, maintaining that the state’s policies still operate within legal boundaries.
Brown’s comments highlight ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party over sanctuary policies, border security, and cooperation with federal authorities. His remarks suggest a potential recalibration of immigration policies in California amid increasing scrutiny and national debate over the issue.
