Letter from Chief Justice Cantil-sakauye

• Publication year: 2017
• Author: TANI G. CANTIL-SAKAUYE CHIEF JUSTICE OF CALIFORNIA

Letter From Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye

Supreme Court of California
350 McAllister street
SAN FRANCISCO,CA 94102-4797

TANI G. CANTIL-SAKAUYE
CHIEF JUSTICE OF CALIFORNIA

415-865-7000

March 16, 2017

Attorney General Jeff Sessions
The United States Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001

The Honorable John F. Kelly
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Secretary of Homeland Security
Washington, DC 20528

RE: Immigration Enforcement Tactics at State Courthouses

Dear Attorney General Sessions and Secretary Kelly:

As Chief Justice of California responsible for the safe and fair delivery of justice in our state, I am deeply concerned about reports from some of our trial courts that immigration agents appear to be stalking undocumented immigrants in our courthouses to make arrests.

Our courthouses serve as a vital forum for ensuring access to justice and protecting public safety. Courthouses should not be used as bait in the necessary enforcement of our country's immigration laws.

Our courts are the main point of contact for millions of the most vulnerable Californians in times of anxiety', stress, and crises in their lives. Crime victims, victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence, witnesses to crimes who are aiding law enforcement, limited-English speakers, unrepresented litigants, and children and families all come to our courts seeking justice and due process of law. As finders of fact, trial courts strive to mitigate fear to ensure fairness and protect legal rights. Our work is critical for ensuring public safety and the efficient administration of justice.

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Most Americans have more daily contact with their state and local governments than with the federal government, and I am concerned about the impact on public trust and confidence in our state court system if the public feels that our state...