California residents are being called to action against unaccountable sheriffs who are defying state laws and aligning themselves with the Trump administration. The position of county sheriff in California mirrors the authoritarianism of the Trump presidency, with scandals of corruption and abuse of power running rampant. Sheriffs have become allies of the Trump administration in its anti-immigrant agenda, with some openly defying state sanctuary laws and promising to cooperate with mass deportation efforts.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a former member of the hate group Oath Keepers, has shown incompetence and lack of respect for civil rights. Amador County Sheriff Gary Redman and Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni have also expressed their willingness to work with ICE despite state laws. San Diego Sheriff Kelly Martinez has opposed local ordinances protecting immigrants, leading to the resignation of a county supervisor due to threats.
However, there is a ray of hope in San Mateo County, where voters approved a measure granting the county supervisors the power to remove a defiant sheriff facing multiple allegations of misconduct. This historic move could serve as a model for other counties in the state to hold sheriffs accountable for their actions.
The author suggests that State Attorney General Rob Bonta should issue a legal opinion to strip sheriffs of their qualified immunity if they defy state law, and that sheriffs participating in immigration enforcement actions that remove legal residents or U.S. citizens should face kidnapping charges.
In conclusion, Californians are urged to push for constitutional changes to make sheriffs appointed positions, subject to removal for breaking the law, and to challenge the systems that grant them unchecked power and immunity from accountability.
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