A new California bill that would expand protections against deportations for illegal immigrants who are victims or witnesses of crime—including those with a criminal history and gang membership—is being supported by Los Angeles officials, including District Attorney George Gascón.
Assembly Bill 1261, named the “Immigrant Rights Act,” was authored by Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) in February, but Los Angeles officials held a press conference in support of the bill on April 10.
“Far too often undocumented victims of crime and witnesses to crime are afraid to come forward because they are afraid of deportation. Your immigration status should never be a barrier to safety,” Gascón said during the media briefing. “Public safety for everyone and equal access to the justice system is possible if we protect those that are most vulnerable.”…