California Senate Backs 'Anti-Arizona' Bill

California's Senate has passed a measure that runs counter to federal immigration efforts—one that's been dubbed the "anti-Arizona" bill, Reuters reports. The legislation, which looks set to pass the state Assembly, would hamper police's ability to hand an arrested person over to immigration officials for deportation unless the arrestee has already been convicted of a serious felony, the Los Angeles Times reports. The Trust Act would strike a blow to the federal Secure Communities program, which sends arrestees' fingerprints to federal officials, who can order their detention.

The bill would prevent deportations prompted by minor crimes such as traffic infractions, backers say, and represents an attack on Arizona's controversial immigration stance. "Arizona and its governor may view all immigrants as criminals," says an advocate, "but in California we have a different view." Gov. Jerry Brown hasn't yet said whether he would sign the bill, which the state sheriff's organization opposes, saying it would force police to decide whether to follow federal or state law. (More California stories.)