DOJ Seeks Undocumented Inmate Data from California Sheriffs; Sheriff Luna Responds

DOJ Request for Inmate Data

• 🎯 The US Justice Department has requested lists of jail inmates who are not US citizens from sheriffs across California counties.
• 📌 This request also includes information on undocumented inmates' crimes and release dates, as part of a push to deport undocumented immigrants with criminal records.

LA County Sheriff's Department Stance

• 🏛️ Sheriff Robert Luna stated that the LA County Sheriff's Department does not cooperate with ICE agents in raids or share inmate database information.
• ⚠️ However, there is an exception for the transfer of inmates already in custody if a federal judicial warrant, signed by a federal judge, is presented.
• ⚖️ Sheriff Luna emphasized that individuals with serious or violent charges, such as attempted murder, robbery, rape, and sexual battery, have been transferred to ICE.

Data Collection Limitations

• ❓ Sheriff Luna indicated that his department does not ask about or collect information on the citizenship status of individuals when they are arrested or brought in.
• 📄 Therefore, he stated that the department cannot provide the requested data on inmate citizenship to the Department of Justice because they simply do not have it.
• 🧑‍⚖️ The sheriff mentioned that this matter would likely be referred to county council for legal guidance on how to proceed.

State vs. Federal Law

• 📜 Legal analysts suggest that state law may supersede federal law in this matter, meaning the sheriff's department may not be mandated to provide the requested information.
• 🤝 While federal agents can make requests for assistance, they cannot mandate cooperation if state law prohibits it.