Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has announced that his department will not engage in immigration enforcement, a statement aimed at addressing rising fears within local immigrant communities amid heightened federal immigration actions. In a video shared on social media, Bianco firmly stated, “We have not, are not, and will not engage” in such activities, countering claims that deputies from his 4,000-member force were involved in immigration raids.
Bianco’s remarks come during a time of increasing anxiety among immigrants in the area, exacerbated by recent federal raids, particularly following the beginning of the Trump administration. He attributed the growing concern to what he described as misinformation propagated by politicians, activists, and media outlets. “There has been an alarming increase in the concern over law enforcement and immigration,” he said, emphasizing that rumors of deputies conducting raids at schools, businesses, and churches were unfounded.
The sheriff underscored that immigration enforcement is a responsibility of the federal government, reiterating that Riverside County deputies do not inquire about individuals’ immigration status when interacting with victims of crime. He criticized California’s sanctuary laws, which restrict local law enforcement from participating in immigration activities, arguing that these laws create a divide between immigrant communities and law enforcement.
Bianco’s comments come in the wake of significant federal immigration operations, including a raid that resulted in 78 arrests in Bakersfield shortly after the Trump administration took office. These actions have sparked protests across Southern California, with community groups mobilizing to support those at risk of deportation.
In a broader context, California’s sanctuary law, enacted in 2017, restricts local law enforcement from using public funds for immigration enforcement and limits the transfer of individuals to federal authorities unless they have committed serious crimes. Bianco has expressed his desire to reform these laws, suggesting they hinder efforts to keep communities safe.
On January 28, Riverside County’s Board of Supervisors approved a motion to evaluate how data regarding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and undocumented immigrants is managed, signaling a potential shift towards greater support for immigrant communities. Bianco criticized the board for creating political divides instead of fostering unity in protecting all residents.
As the situation evolves, Bianco’s commitment to refraining from immigration enforcement while addressing community safety concerns will continue to be a focal point for residents of Riverside County. The sheriff’s stance reflects a complex interplay of local and federal immigration policies, community relations, and the ongoing national debate over immigration reform.