ArcaMax

SAN DIEGO -- When we argue about California's so-called "sanctuary state" law, we might as well be arguing about unicorns.

Just as there is no such thing as a one-horned fantastical creature, so too is there no sanctuary for illegal immigrants in California.

It's a blatant lie that, as Trump administration officials claim, California is preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement from rounding up and removing illegal immigrants in the Golden State through "laws designed to protect criminal aliens."

Every day, ICE agents are doing just that -- including in "sanctuary cities" such as San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. In fact, to punish California, the Trump administration is ratcheting up deportations there.

So much for sanctuary. California's protective barrier around illegal immigrants is made of cotton candy.

Or maybe swiss cheese. After all, Senate Bill 54 -- referred to as the "sanctuary state" bill -- is full of holes. Make that loopholes that allow for business as usual. They were put there by Democratic lawmakers to assuage concerns by Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown that the bill as originally written went too far in restricting cooperation between local police and federal immigration agents.

For instance, illegal immigrants whose names appear on criminal warrants had better not get used to California sunshine. They're probably not staying. The law allows for a lot of cooperation where they're concerned.

The truth about these phony "sanctuary" laws has been slow to come out.

That is why there is so much of value in the recent decision by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez. He refused a request by the Trump administration to stop California from preventing local law enforcement from cooperating with immigration agents. The administration argued before the court that California's law prevented immigration enforcement.

Hogwash, said Mendez, who noted: "Refusing to help is not the same as impeding. ... Standing aside does not equate to standing in the way."

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