San Francisco supervisors on Tuesday are expected to overturn a mayoral veto of legislation that would relax the city’s policy on reporting undocumented youth offenders to federal immigration authorities.
The Board of Supervisors has previously voted in favor of Supervisor David Campos’ ordinance by a veto-proof eight-member majority, but Mayor Gavin Newsom has threatened not to implement the legislation.
The legislation would amend city law and have law enforcement report undocumented youth accused of felonies to federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement after the juvenile court equivalent of conviction or a probable cause finding in adult court, and not when the suspects are arrested and booked.
Under the current city policy–implemented by Newsom last year after it was revealed the city was not reporting any undocumented youth felony offenders to ICE–the Juvenile Probation Department makes the reports during the felony booking process.
The legislation has ignited passions on both sides of the issue, between the immigrant community and those who worry passage could threaten public safety.
Newsom claims Campos’ legislation would put the city out of compliance with federal law and could jeopardize the entire sanctuary ordinance–intended to provide protections to illegal immigrants who are not otherwise committing serious crimes.
San Francisco’s sanctuary law prohibits city employees from assisting federal immigration authorities, but has exceptions for those booked for felony crimes.
Newsom contends the city is bound by federal law not to prohibit local law enforcement from reporting juveniles booked for felonies and suspected of being in the country illegally.
Campos has argued his legislation is legally viable and that Newsom can and would be required to implement it. He has called it “a very narrow and measured amendment” to the sanctuary policy that restores due process to undocumented youth.
Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting begins at 2 p.m. at City Hall.
