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Know Your Rights

This official City of Burbank webpage offers information on rights for undocumented immigrants residing in Burbank including details about City Council actions, available community resources, and any ongoing updates to ensure residents are informed about their rights.


*The following page can be translated into Spanish and Armenian by clicking the dropdown in the upper right-hand corner. 
*Español - Esta página se puede traducir al español haciendo clic en el menú en la esquina superior derecha
*Հայրեն - Հետևյալ էջը կարելի է թարգմանել իսպաներեն և հայերեն՝ սեղմելով վերևի աջ անկյունում գտնվող բացվող ցանկը:
know your rights
The California Values Act (SB 54), effective January 1, 2018, is a state law that restricts local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, except in cases involving serious crimes. SB 54 specifically prohibits local law enforcement from using resources to investigate, question, detain, detect, or arrest individuals for immigration enforcement purposes. As a California municipality, Burbank is subject to the restrictions of SB 54. 

This includes: 
 
  • Inquiring into an individual's immigration status. 
  • Detaining an individual based on a federal immigration authority hold request. 
  • Providing information regarding a person's custody release date or responding to requests for notification by providing release dates or other information unless that information is available to the public. 
  • Providing personal information about an individual, including but, not limited to, home address or work address unless that information is available to the public. 
  • Making or intentionally participating in arrests based on civil immigration warrants. 
  • Participating in immigration enforcement activities, such as sweeps or acting as immigration agents. 
Immigrant Worker Protection Act (AB 450): Prevents employers from sharing personal information about employees with federal authorities or allowing access to the workplace without first ensuring that authorities have secured the appropriate court documents. The State of California Attorney General’s Office, Labor Commissioner, has the exclusive authority to enforce the provisions of this bill.

Wage Theft Prevention Act (AB 291): Prohibits landlords from using a person’s immigration status or perceived status against them in cases of disputes over rent, living conditions, or other relative matters. A tenant may seek enforcement under this provision through civil court action. The City’s Housing Enforcement division may also be involved in this process.
 

Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds (TRUTH) Act 2017 (AB 2792): is a state law that requires local law enforcement to be transparent about their cooperation with federal immigration authorities and prevent unjust transfers and holds of individuals in local law enforcement custody to federal officials. If federal authorities request to interview an individual in local custody, AB 2792 requires the individual be provided a copy of the request, in writing, informed of whether the local agency will comply, and given a written consent form. Furthermore, the individual must be informed that the interview is voluntary, may have an attorney present, and may decline the interview.



 
Burbank Police Department Policy 428 Immigration Violations/Truth Act provides guidelines for immigration-related interactions. Key aspects of the policy include: 
  • Prohibiting the use of Department or City resources for federal immigration enforcement, except in cases involving serious crimes. 
  • Implementing processes for victims and witnesses to feel safe reporting crimes regardless of immigration status. 
  • Processing U visa (for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse) and T visa (for victims of human trafficking) requests for crime victims. 
  • Transparency through annual reporting and mandatory staff training. 
The Burbank Police Department policy conforms to the requirements as set forth in SB 54. Officers are given the authority to detain individuals for unlawful reentry who are subject to an enhancement due to a previous conviction of an aggravated felony pursuant to federal law. Protocols and procedures are in place that ensure officers do not violate state and federal law in the performance of their duties.

Timeline of City Council Action

November 19, 2024 - Mayor Perez requested a first-step report for the Council to consider an urgency ordinance declaring Burbank a sanctuary city. 

January 28, 2025 - City staff presents First Step Report to Consider Declaring the CIty of Burbank a Sanctuary City.  Following the presentation, the City Council passed a motion directing staff to develop a resolution extending the California Values Act (SB 54) to all city employee practices. As part of this effort, staff will ensure the policy is widely shared with the community, provide information on both state and local laws, and help promote "Know Your Rights" workshops. Additionally, staff will formalize a policy prohibiting the collection of immigration status information unless explicitly required for the administration of city services. The resolution will be presented to City Council at an upcoming meeting. Check back for updates on the scheduled date. 
 

  • Watch the full meeting here.

  • Read the staff reports and attachments here.

More resources
*Executive Orders:

Please refer to the Official White House Presidential Actions website for current updates on Presidential Executive Orders related to federal immigration enforcement.