(NewsNation) — A new policy prohibiting San Diego County law enforcement from contacting ICE without a warrant when they have illegal immigrants accused of serious crimes in their custody is now in effect, giving the county what one local official calls “super sanctuary” status.

The San Diego Board of Supervisors voted this week to approve a resolution that gives immigrants accused or convicted of offenses like rape and kidnapping more protection than they have under California’s existing sanctuary laws. While the state law carves out certain scenarios that allow local and federal officials to communicate, the county ordinance adds another layer of bureaucracy, opponents say.

That concerns Jim Desmond, the lone county supervisor to vote against the ordinance. Desmond, a Republican who coined the “super sanctuary status,” says the ordinance makes it easier for immigrants charged with heinous or “high-end” violent crimes, gang activity or weapons offenses to return to San Diego County streets.

Now, with county officials suddenly required to obtain a warrant from a state or federal judge to contact ICE, the extra step, provides illegal immigrants with an extra layer of security that wasn’t there before.

“The message is that your neighbors are going to be less safe and that your government is putting the rights of people that are here illegally committing crimes ahead of yours,” Desmond told NewsNation.

San Diego's unique sanctuary status

California is one of 13 states that hold sanctuary status designed to protect immigrants and asylum-seekers who entered the U.S. illegally. By doing so, every county throughout the state........

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