On a crisp morning in San Diego, a crowd gathered on the waterfront lawn of the County Administration Building to support SB 554, the Safety Before Criminal Sanctuary Act, a bill authored by State Sen. Brian Jones aimed at rejecting attempts by California cities and counties to offer “Super Sanctuary” status to violent illegal immigrants. Among the speakers was Sharie Finn, a mother whose life was forever altered by the state’s sanctuary policies.
Finn’s daughter, a special needs child, was raped and trafficked by a 32-year-old man who had entered the country illegally. The perpetrator had a long history of prior offenses and multiple strikes, yet California’s sanctuary policies shielded him from deportation.
“My child’s life was irrevocably changed by someone who should have never had the opportunity to cause such harm,” Finn said, her voice trembling with emotion. “He is sitting in prison now, but he was not deported.”
While Sharie shared her story, a group of anti-ICE protestors chanted, “Shame on you!” The moment perfectly captured how distorted California’s priorities have become under sanctuary laws.
California’s sanctuary policies, intended to protect illegal immigrants from deportation, have inadvertently provided cover for violent offenders. Finn’s story is just one of many illustrating how these policies allow individuals with serious criminal records to remain in communities where they continue to harm innocent people.
“There must be a distinction between those who contribute positively to society and those who pose a threat to its safety,” Finn shared. “When policies prevent law enforcement from taking necessary action against criminals with extensive records, we all become vulnerable.”
One of the problems with sanctuary policies is that they restrict cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. In Finn’s case, the man who trafficked her daughter had prior convictions that should have triggered deportation proceedings, yet he was shielded from immigration enforcement because local law enforcement declined to notify federal immigration authorities of his arrest.
Finn’s painful experience turned her into an advocate for justice and reform. She co-founded The RAD Movement, a nonprofit organization dedicated to recovering missing and exploited children, offering aftercare support, and guiding families through the legal, medical, and educational systems. Through her advocacy, she has highlighted systemic failures that leave vulnerable children at risk.
The RAD Movement has documented numerous cases of trafficking and violent crime linked to individuals who were protected under sanctuary laws. “We’ve rescued children being trafficked right here in our own neighborhoods,” Finn revealed. Many of these cases, she says, involve individuals who were arrested multiple times yet released back into communities instead of being handed over to immigration enforcement.
Finn shared with IW Features, “Following our tragedy, we were compelled to transform our pain into purpose. The feeling of not knowing where your child is for five minutes, let alone five days, is indescribable. It is the most gut-wrenching, terrorizing, and helpless feeling imaginable. If we can spare a parent from experiencing those feelings for even one minute longer than necessary, that becomes our mission. That is our ‘why.’ We understand how it feels. We recognize that the system is not designed to put boots on the ground and do what we do. So we step in. And we will continue to do so.”
“In reality, this mission has been a source of healing for us to some extent,” Finn added. “While some cases do cause our PTSD to resurface, for the most part, it is a healing journey.”
The consequences of California’s sanctuary policies extend beyond human trafficking. Across the state, violent offenders, including rapists and murderers, have been allowed to remain in the country due to sanctuary laws. The lack of coordination between local law enforcement and federal agencies has created an environment where criminal networks, including cartels, thrive.
As a result, Finn’s story, sadly, is not unique. Across the state, families who have lost loved ones to crimes committed by repeat offenders who are then shielded by sanctuary policies are demanding change.
“No parent should experience the heartbreak and trauma that my family has faced,” Finn said.
Victims’ families argue that reforming the immigration system should not be a partisan issue—it is a matter of public safety. They believe that individuals with extensive criminal histories should not be given protection under sanctuary policies. Instead, law enforcement should have the ability to work with federal agencies to remove dangerous individuals from communities.
In California, SB 554 represents a step toward restoring accountability. The bill seeks to prevent local jurisdictions from granting additional protections to violent criminals under the guise of sanctuary policies. Supporters of the bill argue that it balances compassion with the need for public safety.
As she spoke in support of the bill, Finn pleaded with the counter-protestors, “It’s imperative that we prioritize safety and justice over political agendas. By doing so, we can protect not only our children but future generations as well. Let us ensure that no other parent has to endure the heartbreak and trauma that my family has faced.”
Finn remains hopeful that her advocacy will lead to meaningful change.
“We need a system that prioritizes safety and justice over political agendas,” she said. “By standing united, we can push for reform that protects our communities and ensures a brighter, safer future for all.”
As the debate over sanctuary policies continues, Finn’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the real-life consequences of unfettered illegal immigration and the policies that enable it. The RAD Movement, fueled by the pain of personal loss, is committed to making sure no other family has to endure what Finn’s family has suffered. The fight for reform is far from over, but for families like Finn’s, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
