California's Sanctuary State Policies Under Scrutiny Following Lance Christensen's Criticism

California's "Sanctuary State" policies, particularly the California Values Act (Senate Bill 54), have again come under public debate following a critical statement from Lance Christensen. On social media, Christensen asserted, "This is who Gavin Newsom is protecting with his Sanctuary State policies," reigniting discussions about the implications of the state's approach to immigration enforcement. The tweet highlights a persistent point of contention surrounding California's legislative framework.

The California Values Act, signed into law by then-Governor Jerry Brown in October 2017, largely restricts state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration agencies. This legislation prohibits local officers from inquiring about an individual's immigration status or holding individuals for federal immigration authorities without a judicial warrant. Proponents argue these measures foster trust between immigrant communities and local police, encouraging crime reporting without fear of deportation.

Governor Gavin Newsom has continued to uphold and expand upon these protections. Most recently, in September 2025, he signed a package of bills aimed at resisting federal immigration crackdowns, including a controversial measure that broadly prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks while on duty. This "No Secret Police Act" was championed by Democrats as a way to ensure accountability and build community trust, particularly after instances of masked federal agents conducting operations.

However, these policies have drawn strong opposition from critics, who argue they shield undocumented immigrants, including those who have committed crimes, from federal enforcement. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has consistently warned sanctuary states like California, New York, and Illinois to cooperate in deporting criminal immigrants. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that such "dangerous sanctuary policies" allow "criminal illegal aliens to be released back into American communities, threatening the American people's lives and wellbeing."

Lance Christensen, a prominent conservative voice and former candidate for California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, has been a vocal opponent of these policies. He has consistently argued that California's sanctuary status endangers public safety by preventing the deportation of individuals who have committed offenses. Christensen's tweet underscores the ongoing political and ideological divide regarding immigration enforcement and state sovereignty in California.