California’s leaders like to boast that our state is a sanctuary. And it is — a sanctuary for criminals.
Since the so‑called sanctuary laws went into effect in 2018, tens of thousands of criminal illegal aliens have walked out of California jails instead of being transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Violent crime has jumped nearly 20% statewide.
That’s not compassion. That’s not progress. That’s negligence. Every preventable crime committed by someone who should have been deported is proof of these policies’ failure.
Even in deep‑blue Los Angeles, some officials admit the obvious: violent offenders should be deported. That’s just common sense. But Sacramento’s ideologues have made it clear that local sheriffs are expected to ignore federal law, even if it means releasing dangerous felons back onto the streets.
Here’s how absurd it’s gotten: a sheriff could potentially be sued, prosecuted, and even jailed for helping federal law enforcement take a violent criminal out of our community. I think we can all agree that those who commit criminal acts have no business on our streets. If they’re American citizens, we incarcerate them. If they’re here illegally, we deport them. Anything less puts our communities in danger.
This is a broken system that turns justice upside down.
Meanwhile, the federal government under President Donald Trump is working to remove dangerous criminal aliens, and they want our cooperation. The Justice Department has called it a top priority and urged California sheriffs to join in the shared duty of keeping our communities safe.
I agree with that mission. I live it every day. But if I honor the Justice Department’s request, I risk being punished by California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta.
Bonta has made it clear that if sheriffs comply with federal requests, they risk violating the state sanctuary laws. Earlier this year, his office circulated an official notice to every sheriff’s department in the state, reminding sheriffs that “unlawful coordination” with federal immigration enforcement violates state law and could result in legal action from his office. Imagine that: in California, you can face prison for removing a violent criminal, but you can walk free if you are the violent criminal.
Public safety isn’t negotiable. I’ve had enough of the dysfunction, the posturing, and the blame‑shifting. I’m done watching politicians in Sacramento put their ideology ahead of your safety. If the Attorney General thinks it’s acceptable to threaten sheriffs for cooperating with federal law while shielding murderers and rapists, then it’s time to change who’s running this state.
The fix is simple: change the law and change the leadership. That’s why I’m running for governor. On day one, I’ll work to repeal these reckless sanctuary laws. I’ll make sure California once again cooperates with federal immigration enforcement when it comes to criminals.
No more conflict between state and federal mandates. No more free passes for those who break our laws and our borders. And yes, we can do this while protecting law‑abiding immigrant families and respecting the rights of every Californian. Law and order aren’t partisan; They&#8217;re the bedrock of a civilized society.
It’s time to fire the politicians who built this mess. California should be a sanctuary for the people who follow the law, not those who prey on others. My pledge to you is simple: I will always have your back. I will defend your family, uphold the law, and protect our communities, the same way I’ve done my entire career.
Chad Bianco is Sheriff of Riverside County and a candidate for California governor.
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Chad Bianco

Protecting Citizens Isn’t a Crime — Unless You’re In California