In response to the arrival of agents from Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) on July 28 at Butte County Superior Court, Executive Officer Sharif Elmallah released this statement:
In December of 2024, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued updated “Guidance and Model Policies to Assist California’s Superior Courts in Responding to Immigration Issues.” California courts are required to comply with those policies pursuant to the passage of Senate Bill 54 (2018). The Superior Court of California, County of Butte (Court) complies with those policies and does not assist ICE.
The Court did not receive advance notice of the operation conducted by ICE inside public areas of and in front of the Oroville Courthouse on Monday, July 28th. As far as the Court is aware, ICE had not conducted enforcement actions inside one of its courthouses prior to Monday, July 28th.
The Court is concerned by the potential chilling effect and other potential adverse impacts on participation in the legal system that may occur due to these enforcement actions being conducted in and around courthouses. The Court is a neutral entity that provides access to justice for all who come before it. It remains open to all individuals exercising their legal rights as it provides for the peaceful resolution of disputes.