Groups Ask Gov. Newsom To Deter Parolee Deportations

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Immigrant rights groups are calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to end policies they say ease the transfer of prison inmates to federal authorities despite California's efforts to provide a sanctuary to those who are in the country illegally.

The groups on Friday asked Newsom to stop prison officials from holding parolees until they can be picked up by federal immigration officials.

They also criticized him for vetoing legislation that would have barred private security companies from coming onto prison grounds to pick up immigrants for deportation.

Newsom has pardoned several Southeast Asian refugees in an effort to keep them from being deported. But groups including the Asian Prisoner Support Committee and Asian Americans Advancing Justice say he should do more.

His office and prison officials did not immediately comment.