Los Angeles, California — California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued two important consumer alerts to protect undocumented immigrants from potential scams and reinforce their rights under state law. The alerts emphasize that local and state authorities cannot assist federal agencies like the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with deportations.
The first alert reiterates California’s sanctuary state law, which prohibits law enforcement from inquiring about a person’s immigration status for immigration enforcement purposes. The notice emphasizes that California law explicitly prohibits this.
Bonta reaffirmed the state’s commitment to immigrant protection: “No matter who is in the White House, in California, we will continue to lead with California values.” This law, known as the California Values Act, limits cooperation between local agencies and federal immigration authorities.
The Fil-Am attorney general stressed the alerts’ role in informing immigrants about their rights and avoiding scams by individuals attempting to exploit fear surrounding immigration policies. He urged those affected to seek legal aid only from licensed professionals and organizations. Immigration fraud can be reported to local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission.
