In a bold stand for law and order, Amador County Sheriff Gary Redman is pushing back against California’s controversial sanctuary state law, SB 54, defying what he calls a dangerous mandate that prevents local law enforcement from working with federal immigration authorities. Redman’s announcement marks the first time a sheriff in the state has openly declared he will not comply with the 2017 law, which was pushed through by progressive Democrats under then-Governor Jerry Brown and hailed by the left as a way to protect illegal immigrants from deportation.
But for Redman—and for millions of Americans who support strong borders and safe communities—SB 54 is nothing more than a reckless political stunt that endangers lives, ties the hands of law enforcement, and sacrifices victims on the altar of identity politics. Redman’s stance channels the America First principles championed by former President Donald Trump, who made border security, immigration enforcement, and the support of local police central pillars of his administration.
“The law puts us in an impossible position,” Redman said in a public statement. “We’re forced to release individuals who we know pose a threat to public safety. It’s almost like we’re re-victimizing the victims.”
The law in question—formally called the California Values Act—prohibits state and local law enforcement from sharing information with or cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in most circumstances, even when the individual in question is a repeat offender or has a violent criminal history. In practice, this means illegal immigrants accused or even convicted of serious crimes can walk free, while ICE is kept in the dark.
Sheriff Redman’s stand has struck a chord with many Californians, particularly in more rural and conservative regions like Amador County, where law-abiding citizens are tired of being forced to watch their communities suffer due to a political agenda driven out of Sacramento. “We’ve seen enough,” Redman said. “We need to be able to protect our communities. That’s my job—not bowing to political ideologies.”
Backing Redman is Corrin Rankin, Chair of the California Republican Party, who didn’t mince words: “California’s sanctuary state law makes it harder to stop violent criminals. It’s time we start putting victims first, not criminals who are in this country illegally.”
The real-world consequences of California’s sanctuary policies have been devastating. One of the most tragic examples cited by critics is the 2022 murder of three young girls in Sacramento by David Mora, a previously arrested illegal immigrant who was released due to sanctuary protections. After being set free, he murdered his daughters during a supervised visit. The case made national headlines and ignited fresh outrage over the state’s refusal to work with federal immigration agents.
Sheriff Redman made his position clear after receiving a flood of questions from his constituents—many of whom were energized by the prospect of a second Trump term and a renewed effort to empower local law enforcement to work hand-in-hand with federal immigration agencies. Unlike other sheriffs who’ve tried to quietly work around SB 54, Redman is refusing to play political games. He’s calling the law what many believe it is: a threat to public safety.
Though the California Attorney General’s office—led by progressive Democrat Rob Bonta—has threatened scrutiny and potential legal action against Redman’s department, that hasn’t deterred him. Bonta’s office insists SB 54 complies with federal law and claims it protects immigrant communities. But critics say that’s a smokescreen.
“SB 54 doesn’t protect anyone—it shields criminals and handcuffs our law enforcement,” said Rep. Kevin Kiley, a rising Republican star in California who has introduced federal legislation to roll back sanctuary policies and return authority to local communities.
In Amador County, where illegal immigration has contributed to problems in drug trafficking and illegal marijuana cultivation, the effects of sanctuary laws aren’t theoretical—they’re personal. Residents have grown frustrated with the failure of state leaders to support sheriffs and deputies who are on the front lines of real public safety threats.
Redman’s move has elevated him to hero status in many conservative circles, especially among supporters of President Trump, who for years warned about the dangers of open-border policies and the political left’s willingness to protect criminals over citizens. Trump himself consistently clashed with California leaders over sanctuary city policies, branding them “lawless” and accusing them of putting American families in harm’s way. His Department of Justice even sued California over SB 54 in 2018.
The sheriff’s defiance is more than a legal or political issue—it’s symbolic of the larger ideological clash between local communities that want order and safety, and a radical leftist agenda that prioritizes virtue signaling over real-world consequences. With the 2024 election looming and immigration once again a central issue, Redman’s stand may be just the beginning of a broader wave of local resistance against failed sanctuary laws.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Sheriff Gary Redman isn’t backing down. He’s standing up for his constituents, for victims of crime, and for a law enforcement community fed up with being undermined by politicians in ivory towers. And in doing so, he’s carrying forward the America First legacy that President Trump ignited—a legacy built on law, order, and putting American citizens first.
Brittany Mays is a dedicated mother and passionate conservative news and opinion writer. With a sharp eye for current events and a commitment to traditional values, Brittany delivers thoughtful commentary on the issues shaping today’s world. Balancing her role as a parent with her love for writing, she strives to inspire others with her insights on faith, family, and freedom.
