Proposed California law to protect immigrants who are victims of crimes

News from La Opinion

California assembly member, Reggie-Jones Sawyer (D-LA) proposed a law that if passed would protect undocumented citizens from being deported or turned over to immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) if they are witnesses or victims of a crime.

According to La Opinion, the legislation was created after reports from the Los Angeles police department found most reporting on crime comes from the Latino community.

Authorities have said the fear of being turned over to ICE stops many witnesses or victims of crimes from coming forward.
Authorities hope that the proposed bill will engender cooperation from the Latino community with enforcement agencies while also promoting social responsibility.

The bill would need to be approved by the California senate and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown before becoming California law.