Mayor Bill Wells Sues AG Bonta over State Law Prohibiting Local Police from Assisting Federal ICE Officers

When El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells asked the California Department of Justice a simple question, “If a child in our city is being sex-trafficked by an illegal alien, can we at least do a welfare check on that child?” The answer he received was “No.”

The Attorney General’s office told Mayor Wells, “That would violate SB-54.” Wells posted his reply on X: “No workaround. No alternative. No explanation for how you’re supposed to save that child. That’s what California’s sanctuary law protects. Not the child. The trafficker.”

At the heart of California’s non-existing illegal immigrant enforcement is Senate Bill 54, which now prohibits local police departments and sheriffs’ deputies from assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and enforcing federal immigration laws. But that law conflicts with federal law and federal immigration rules.

California is a “sanctuary state” thanks to Assembly and Senate Democrats and former Gov. Jerry Brown who signed Senate Bill 54 by then-Senate President pro Tem Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) in 2017.

California’s SB 54 law shielding illegal immigrants violates federal immigration law, but does not prohibit enforcing state criminal laws, including those against human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, child abuse, or endangerment, which makes the AG’s response perplexing.

Mayor Bill Wells just announced he and the America First Policy Institute filed a lawsuit against California Attorney General Rob Bonta over SB 54:

Yesterday I made a promise to the people of El Cajon. No more choosing between federal law and state law. No more sanctuary games. No more politicians in Sacramento telling us how to protect our own kids. We are suing. And we are going to win. I want to give a special thank you to the @A1Policy_CA for their partnership in this fight!

Yesterday I made a promise to the people of El Cajon.
No more choosing between federal law and state law. No more sanctuary games. No more politicians in Sacramento telling us how to protect our own kids.
We are suing. And we are going to win.

I want to give a special thank you… pic.twitter.com/ibugUKxW0W

— Bill Wells (@MayorBillWells) April 30, 2026

“This might be one of the most important days of my life,” Wells said at the press conference.

“What laws should our law enforcement officers follow?” Wells asked. “Should they follow the laws of the United States of America or the laws of the State of California?”

Former Congressman Mike Garcia, Chair of AFPI’s California Chapter, and contributor to the Globe added they are seeking clarity on the precedents of law. “What takes precedence, federal or state law?”

Last year, the El Cajon City Council passed a resolution declaring the City’s intent to comply with federal immigration law to the fullest extent.

In March, Mayor Wells and the City of El Cajon sent a letter (below) to California Attorney General Rob Bonta demanding answers:

“How can California’s sanctuary policies be legal when federal law makes it a felony to encourage or induce someone to reside in the United States unlawfully?

SB 54 and related state laws block local police from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. They extend government benefits regardless of legal status. They create economic incentives for people to stay in California without fear of deportation.

El Cajon’s City Council passed a resolution in February 2025 declaring the City’s intent to comply with federal immigration law to the fullest extent. Now we’re asking the Attorney General to explain how the State’s position squares with federal criminal law. We’ve requested a written response by April 22. Our residents deserve to know whether Sacramento is putting politics above the law. We intend to find out.”

Wednesday afternoon, Bonta’s office responded in a statement saying the following:

“El Cajon should prepare for another loss. There have been endless attempts to lie and gaslight the public about SB 54, but here’s the truth: anyone, regardless of immigration status, who commits a crime can be held accountable under California law. Period. SB 54 is a pro-public safety law that encourages witnesses and victims of crime to come forward and work with law enforcement. SB 54 has been upheld in court again and again, and we’re prepared to defend it from a baseless attack once more.”

The arrogant response from the AG’s office may be a moot point if the Trump administration and Congress pass the Sanctuary Shutdown Act of 2026, H.R. 7640 by California’s own Rep. Tom McClintock.