It seems California’s Attorney General Xavier Beccera is taking the “general” portion of his title more seriously than the “attorney” portion.
While waging the Golden State’s War on Trump, Beccera is now threatening the state’s employers with prosecution and fines if they voluntarily assist United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents identify illegal immigrants:
During a press conference, Becerra outlined legal repercussions, including fines up to $10,000, if employers assist federal immigration officers during raids.“It’s important, given these rumors that are out there, to let people know – more specifically today, employers – that if they voluntarily start giving up information about their employees or access to their employees in ways that contradict our new California laws, they subject themselves to actions by my office,” state Attorney General Xavier Becerra said. “We will prosecute those who violate the law.”
Becerra acted after reports of plan for a sweep of Northern California by federal immigration officials were revealed. The direct threat to the state’s job creators was being marketed as “guidance“.
Becerra said his office is preparing to issue guidance to local agencies about the new state immigration laws, while also seeking to communicate with federal officials about their intent. He acknowledged that the federal government has jurisdiction to enforce immigration laws, but said the new state law seeks to protect the privacy of workers.Becerra said his office has not been given advanced notice of any new raids and did not know ahead of time of enforcement actions recently at 7-Eleven stores.
In the world of regulations, the state rules can only trump federal ones if they are more protective…of Americans. Hence, there is a bill being offered that would prosecute “Sanctuary State” promoters instead of employers whose only guilt is following federal law. It is called “Stopping Lawless Actions of Politicians (SLAP) Act”.
Needless to say, there are plenty of Californians pointing to Becerra for the first “slap” should it pass.
I am so old that I remember the 2010 federal lawsuit against Arizona for its attempt to enforce a state-based immigration policy that the voters passed. The California measure was created by the state’s politicians for the state’s politicians.
I suspect the Trump administration will use all the legal weapons in its arsenal, and that California’s progressive politicians will be a prime target. I also imagine that any employer hit by Beccera’s team will also file a counter-suit, and have a more robust legal case to boot.
By the way, Becerra sued to stop the border wall from going up. President Trump is slated to tour the prototypes shortly. So, his record of winning against Trump is rather weak.
Meanwhile, California’s hard-working business owners are collateral damage in this engagement, which is a tragedy for those outside of Sacramento. The real economic numbers show that it is the most poverty stricken state in the union. Nonetheless, our politicians will gladly continue their war on the President, despite the harm to the citizens they swore an oath to serve.
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