Sheriff Warns on Sanctuary, River, and Crime | Bakersfield News

Sheriff Donny Youngblood slams sanctuary city rhetoric as empty politics, stressing Kern County’s long-standing non-sanctuary stance and legal limits on ICE cooperation. He warns of the Kern River’s deadly calm, where locals and visitors drown despite new rescue tech. Copper theft surges with market swings, prompting crackdowns on recyclers hiding illicit sales. Homeless encampments remain volatile, rife with crime and urgent medical needs. And after nearly 20 years as sheriff and 30 in law enforcement, Youngblood confirms he won’t seek re-election — and may retire sooner. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6f6894cfe79c3e7b