Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has publicly stated that his deputies will not participate in any form of immigration enforcement, a commitment aimed at alleviating fears within local immigrant communities. This announcement follows a surge in anxiety related to immigration raids that have intensified in the early days of the Trump administration.
In a video message shared on social media, Bianco reassured residents that his department, which comprises 4,000 personnel, has not engaged in immigration enforcement activities and will not do so in the future. He criticized claims suggesting that his deputies were involved in such operations, labeling them as misinformation propagated by “dishonest politicians, social media, immigration activists, and even disingenuous headlines from the media.”
Bianco emphasized that immigration enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of federal authorities and categorically denied rumors that Riverside County deputies were conducting raids in schools, businesses, or places of worship. He expressed concern over the heightened fear among immigrant populations, attributing much of it to misleading information.
The sheriff’s remarks come amid a series of immigration raids across California, including a recent operation that resulted in 78 arrests in Bakersfield. This has led to widespread protests in Southern California, reflecting the community’s outrage over aggressive immigration policies.
California’s sanctuary law, enacted in 2017, prohibits local law enforcement agencies from using public funds for immigration enforcement and restricts them from transferring individuals to immigration authorities under most circumstances. Bianco has previously criticized this legislation, arguing that it creates a rift between immigrant communities and law enforcement, and has stated that his deputies do not inquire about immigration status when interacting with victims of crime.
In a related development, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors recently directed county officials to assess how information about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and law-abiding undocumented immigrants is collected and managed. This move aims to ensure support for undocumented individuals facing deportation.
Bianco, a Republican and a potential gubernatorial candidate, has indicated a willingness to work with federal immigration agencies like ICE if it means protecting residents from crime. He has called for reforms to what he describes as a dangerous sanctuary state law, arguing that it forces federal agents to operate within the community rather than addressing issues within county jails.
As the situation evolves, local officials are expected to report back to the Board of Supervisors on their findings regarding the management of data related to undocumented immigrants on February 25. Bianco’s commitment to not engage in immigration enforcement aims to foster trust within the community while balancing the complexities of local and federal immigration policies.