Phil Matier: Representatives Putting Pressure On Gov. Brown Over TRUST Act
SACRAMENTO (KCBS) - Some of California's most high-ranking representatives on Capitol Hill are sending a strong message to Gov. Jerry Brown, calling on him to sign the state's hotly debated TRUST Act.
Thursday, 22 members of California's congressional democratic delegation, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Zoe Lofgren, ranking member on the Subcommitee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement, sent a letter to Brown, urging him to sign the bill into law.
The TRUST Act would prohibit police from holding illegal immigrants at local jails on Immigration and Customs Enforcement violations unless the individuals are being charged with serious or violent felonies.
KCBS, CBS 5 and Chronicle Insider Phil Matier:
The legislation was introduced by San Francisco Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, and passed through the Assembly several months ago, though returned after passage in the Senate with amendments.
The Assembly approved the amendments by a 48 to 26 vote in late August, sending it to the governor's desk for signature.
Gov. Brown gave no early indication how he would lean on the matter, which Ammiano has called one of "humanity."
The most vocal opposition to the TRUST Act has come from the law enforcement community; specifically, the California State Sheriff's Association opposes the bill. Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca has gone on record promising to ignore the law if signed by the governor.
(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
