The annual Truth Act report detailed how the Sheriff’s Office interacted with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the past year under California’s Values Act. Designed by Magnific

OROVILLE, CA (MPG) - Five Butte County jail inmates who were in the country illegally were transferred to federal immigration authorities in 2025 after being linked to serious felony cases, Sheriff Kory Honea told the Board of Supervisors on May 12.

The annual Truth Act report detailed how the Sheriff’s Office interacted with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the past year under California’s Values Act, the state Sanctuary law that limits cooperation between local agencies and federal immigration authorities.

“Last year, the jail processed 8,716 bookings,” Honea said. “Of those 8,716 bookings, ICE expressed interest in 52.”

Honea said 38 inmates met the requirements of the Values Act, also known as Senate Bill 54, which allows communication or cooperation with ICE only when inmates are accused or convicted of specified serious or violent crimes. ICE ultimately took custody of only five inmates.

According to Honea’s report, one inmate transferred to ICE custody had a prior conviction for carjacking and returned to jail on a parole violation. Another had a prior conviction for criminal threats. Other qualifying cases involved felony burglary, assault with a deadly weapon and carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony.

While presenting the report, Honea pointed to a case involving an inmate arrested on a domestic violence charge that did not qualify for Butte County to cooperate with ICE under Senate Bill 54. He said the state’s definition of violent crime prevents local agencies from notifying federal authorities in such situations.

“Well, in its infinite wisdom, the California Legislature did not include domestic violence as a violent crime,” Honea said. “Mind boggling.”

The Sheriff’s Office said it did not communicate with ICE regarding that inmate because the arrest did not meet the legal threshold for cooperation. Federal agents later arrested the individual on their own following release from county custody, likely on a federal warrant.

Supervisor Tami Ritter asked whether ICE could access inmates at the courthouse. Honea said the Sheriff’s Office cannot assist with those contacts unless the inmate qualifies under state law. He said deputies would only become involved in a courtroom if there was a disruption or safety issue, not to facilitate immigration enforcement.

“There is nothing in California law that prevents federal authorities from operating within California and enforcing federal law,” Honea said.

Supervisors accepted the annual report without action.