From family protection to safe schools and healthcare spaces, California lawmakers pass a series of measures to counter anti-immigrant raids and preserve community trust.
The governments of California and Los Angeles County have separately enacted multiple measures to support those affected by U.S. President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign—actions that together build a strong barrier against the Republican leader’s anti-immigrant policies.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved an emergency proclamation Tuesday night in response to the large-scale immigration raids that have swept the area since June. The declaration allows the county to mobilize and request resources to assist affected families.
County officials said the White House’s enforcement tactics have fueled widespread fear, leading to a drop in worker and student attendance and negatively impacting the local economy. The proclamation follows a similar statewide measure by Governor Gavin Newsom, who authorized all departments to take actions to protect and stabilize communities targeted by the raids.
Governor Newsom has recently signed a series of landmark bills crafted by state legislators to safeguard immigrant rights, expand transparency in enforcement, and strengthen community resilience.
AB 495 – Family Preparedness Plan Act
Authored by: Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez (D–San Fernando)
The Family Preparedness Plan Act (AB 495) allows relatives of detained immigrants to assume guardianship of minors left behind and prohibits childcare centers from collecting information about the immigration status of children or parents.
“We are witnessing families being torn apart in real time—parents detained, unable to pick up their children from school and childcare,” said Assemblymember Rodriguez. “AB 495 helps families facing separation make caregiving arrangements and keep children safe.”
Governor Newsom added:
“Our children deserve to feel safe at home, in school, and in their communities. Families have the right to protect their private information and prepare for emergencies.”
SB 635 – Street Vendors Business Protection Act
Authored by: Senator Maria Elena Durazo (D–Los Angeles)
The Street Vendors Business Protection Act (SB 635) bars immigration agents from accessing data collected by local governments on street vendors and prohibits municipalities from inquiring about a vendor’s immigration or citizenship status.
“SB 635 will add necessary protections to ensure that California’s local street-vending programs remain tools of economic inclusion and opportunity, not fear and division,” said Senator Durazo.
AB 49 – School Safe Access Act
Authored by: Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D–Colton)
AB 49 forbids school officials and employees from allowing immigration agents on campus without a court order.
“Our schools must be sanctuaries of learning, not fear,” said Reyes. “Students cannot thrive when they worry an immigration agent could appear at their school gates.”
SB 81 – Healthcare Facilities Safe Spaces Act
Authored by: Senator Jesse Arreguín (D–Berkeley)
SB 81 sets clear rules for how healthcare workers interact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in medical centers and non-public hospital areas.
“Healthcare is a human right—and no one should have to choose between seeking medical care and fearing detention or deportation,” said Arreguín. “Not in California. Not anywhere.”
SB 98 – Safe Campuses and Immigration Notification Act
Authored by: Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D–Pasadena)
SB 98 mandates that schools and universities notify parents and students when ICE agents are on or near campus.
“Students being fearful affects their ability to learn and participate in the classroom,” said Pérez. “This law ensures that our schools and universities can respond quickly and keep families informed.”
SB 627 – Transparency in Law Enforcement Attire Act
Authored by: Senator Lena Gonzalez (D–Long Beach)
SB 627 bans federal and local law enforcement officers, including ICE, from using balaclavas or extreme face coverings. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026.“Californians deserve transparency from those who enforce the law,” said Gonzalez. “Full facial concealment by officers undermines accountability and public trust.”
SB 805 – Law Enforcement Identification and Accountability Act
Authored by: Senator Steven Bradford (D–Inglewood)
SB 805 requires all law-enforcement officers to display visible identification, including their agency, name, or badge number, when performing official duties.
“Public trust depends on transparency,” said Bradford. “When officers are identifiable, accountability follows. That’s the foundation of justice.”
A Broader Message from California
Governor Newsom has positioned California as a bastion of resistance to federal immigration crackdowns and a defender of human dignity.
“We will continue to stand up for the families that make California strong,” Newsom declared. “Our diversity is not our weakness—it is our strength.”
