Santa Clara Co. supervisors not changing sanctuary laws
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU) - South Bay leaders are stepping back from making changes to how they notify ICE about the release of criminals who are undocumented.
Tuesday, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted 5-0 not to change the county's policy for notifying immigration officials regarding the release of undocumented immigrants.
The decision came after county staff recommended keeping policies the same, in part citing state law and legal limitations.
San Jose Police Officers' Association President Paul Kelly said he was disappointed with the decision.
"San Jose police officers remain committed to supporting and protecting everyone living in our community, regardless of their immigration status,” Kelly said in a statement. . “Immigrants have every right, along with every other resident, to be protected from violent criminals. Notifying our federal law enforcement partners of the upcoming release of those individuals with a proven record of violent criminal behavior is the right thing to do and we will keep pushing until this is done.”
The controversial topic arose after the February stabbing death of Bambi Larson in her San Jose home.
Records show her accused killer, Carlos Arevalo-Carranza, is in the country illegally and has a long criminal history.
In April, the Board asked county staff to review its ICE notification policy and come back with recommendations.
About 80 people gathered before the meeting with signs to rally against any changes and cheered after the decision.
Arevalo-Carranza has not yet entered a plea and is due back in court June 14.