California Republican Kate Sanchez proposes bill to combat sex trafficking of minors
Kumar Shivam | Feb 01, 2025, 02:05 IST
( Image credit : TOIGLOBAL )
California Republican Kate Sanchez plans to introduce a bill removing restrictions that prevent local police from fully cooperating with federal authorities in sex trafficking cases involving minors. The bill addresses a loophole in California's sanctuary state policies, which limit local law enforcement’s involvement in immigration enforcement. Sanchez faces opposition in California’s Democrat-controlled legislature but remains focused on protecting vulnerable individuals.
California Republican Kate Sanchez plans to introduce a bill aimed at making it easier for local police to cooperate with federal authorities to apprehend individuals involved in sex trafficking minors.
Sanchez explained that her bill would eliminate unnecessary restrictions preventing local law enforcement from fully collaborating with federal agencies in targeting individuals accused or convicted of sex trafficking minors. She pointed out that current regulations limit the ability of local and federal authorities to communicate freely.
The Loophole
California's "sanctuary state" policies restrict local police from assisting with federal immigration enforcement. The California Values Act (SB 54), passed in 2017, prevents law enforcement from using resources to address immigration issues, although exceptions are made for serious crimes. Sex trafficking, however, is not always classified as violent, meaning some traffickers may avoid deportation.
Sanchez believes this creates a loophole, allowing illegal immigrants involved in sex trafficking to remain in the U.S. even after serving their sentence. In 2023, Governor Newsom signed SB 14 into law, reclassifying the trafficking of minors as a "serious" crime, though other forms of human trafficking may still not be treated as violent crimes under California law.
Challenges Ahead
Sanchez’s bill, which supports Trump’s deportation plan, faces strong opposition in California’s Democrat-controlled legislature. Under Governor Newsom, Democrats have introduced bills to protect the state from Trump’s policies, and the State Senate has already passed several of them.
Democrats had hoped to pass a $50 million bill, but it was blocked in the Assembly over concerns about changes to the immigration-related proposal. The debate centered on Newsom’s plan to allocate $25 million to nonprofits that assist with defending illegal immigrants from deportation, and whether these funds could be used for criminal immigrants. Newsom’s office confirmed that none of the funds would go to criminal immigrants.
After Trump’s election win, Newsom called for a special session to secure additional funding for California’s legal defense against the Trump administration. Trump, in turn, criticized Newsom on social media, claiming that Newsom was using the term "Trump-Proof" to block progress in California despite Trump’s victory.
Sanchez, who feels excluded from the legislature’s Hispanic Caucus because she is a Republican, argued that the focus should be on "fireproofing" the state or "Newsom-proofing" California.
While Sanchez acknowledges that her views may not be fully accepted, she remains committed to protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly children. She recognizes the tough battle ahead in Sacramento but remains hopeful for change and intends to seek support from federal lawmakers.
Sanchez explained that her bill would eliminate unnecessary restrictions preventing local law enforcement from fully collaborating with federal agencies in targeting individuals accused or convicted of sex trafficking minors. She pointed out that current regulations limit the ability of local and federal authorities to communicate freely.
The Loophole
California's "sanctuary state" policies restrict local police from assisting with federal immigration enforcement. The California Values Act (SB 54), passed in 2017, prevents law enforcement from using resources to address immigration issues, although exceptions are made for serious crimes. Sex trafficking, however, is not always classified as violent, meaning some traffickers may avoid deportation.
Sanchez believes this creates a loophole, allowing illegal immigrants involved in sex trafficking to remain in the U.S. even after serving their sentence. In 2023, Governor Newsom signed SB 14 into law, reclassifying the trafficking of minors as a "serious" crime, though other forms of human trafficking may still not be treated as violent crimes under California law.
Challenges Ahead
Sanchez’s bill, which supports Trump’s deportation plan, faces strong opposition in California’s Democrat-controlled legislature. Under Governor Newsom, Democrats have introduced bills to protect the state from Trump’s policies, and the State Senate has already passed several of them.
Democrats had hoped to pass a $50 million bill, but it was blocked in the Assembly over concerns about changes to the immigration-related proposal. The debate centered on Newsom’s plan to allocate $25 million to nonprofits that assist with defending illegal immigrants from deportation, and whether these funds could be used for criminal immigrants. Newsom’s office confirmed that none of the funds would go to criminal immigrants.
After Trump’s election win, Newsom called for a special session to secure additional funding for California’s legal defense against the Trump administration. Trump, in turn, criticized Newsom on social media, claiming that Newsom was using the term "Trump-Proof" to block progress in California despite Trump’s victory.
Sanchez, who feels excluded from the legislature’s Hispanic Caucus because she is a Republican, argued that the focus should be on "fireproofing" the state or "Newsom-proofing" California.
While Sanchez acknowledges that her views may not be fully accepted, she remains committed to protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly children. She recognizes the tough battle ahead in Sacramento but remains hopeful for change and intends to seek support from federal lawmakers.