California’s SB 98 is Advancing: SAFE Act Would Alert Schools of ICE Presence to Protect Immigrant Families

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Spurred by recent ICE activity near campuses, Senator Sasha Pérez’s bill seeks to ensure schools notify students and parents when immigration enforcement is nearby.

Update- California Senate Bill 98 (SB 98), known as the Sending Alerts to Families in Education (SAFE) Act, is progressing through the legislative process. Introduced by Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena), the bill aims to mandate immediate notifications to students, parents, faculty, staff, and other school community members when immigration enforcement officers are present on school campuses. This initiative is designed to ensure transparency and safety for immigrant families in educational settings.

Recent Legislative Activity

• March 11, 2025: SB 98 was amended in the Senate and re-referred to the Senate Education Committee.
• March 19, 2025: The Senate Education Committee passed the amended bill unanimously (6-0) and forwarded it to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further consideration. The bill has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the University of California Student Association (UCSA), which emphasizes the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments for all students, regardless of immigration status.

there have been several recent incidents in California where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been reported near schools, leading to heightened concerns among students, parents, and educators. These events underscore the relevance of Senate Bill 98 (SB 98), the SAFE Act, which aims to mandate immediate notifications to school communities when immigration enforcement officers are present on or near school campuses.

Recent Incidents Involving ICE Near California Schools

1. Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) – February 2025
   LAUSD reported at least three incidents where individuals impersonating ICE agents approached students, parents, and a school bus driver. Although these incidents did not occur on school property, they caused significant fear and disruption within the community. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho described the situation as “menacing” and emphasized the district’s commitment to student safety.
2. San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) – January 2025
   A student from Visitacion Valley Middle School reported that an individual identifying as an ICE agent approached them on a city bus and asked for identification. While the incident’s veracity was unconfirmed, it led to widespread concern and prompted SFUSD to reassure families about student safety and their rights.
3. San Diego Unified School District – January 2025
   In response to President Trump’s executive orders enabling mass deportations and repealing policies that restricted ICE raids in schools, the district adopted a resolution reinforcing its stance against assisting federal immigration enforcement within schools. The district will not allow ICE access to its facilities or personnel without a warrant, nor will it share student information with ICE without parental consent, a court order, or a judicial subpoena.
4. Operation Return to Sender in Kern County – Early 2025
   U.S. Customs and Border Protection conducted raids in Kern County, leading to increased absenteeism among students and heightened fear within immigrant communities. Advocates reported that agents targeted individuals based on racial profiling, affecting both Latin American and Sikh communities. These actions prompted some school districts to declare themselves as “sanctuary schools” to protect students.
5. ICE Raids Across Southern California – January 2025
   ICE operations were reported across Southern California, including in Los Angeles, Pomona, and San Diego. Over a weekend, law enforcement officers arrested 956 people and lodged 554 detainers, intensifying fears among immigrant families and prompting school districts to review and reinforce their protocols regarding interactions with federal immigration authorities.

These incidents highlight the growing concerns about immigration enforcement activities near educational institutions and the potential impact on students and their families. They also emphasize the importance of legislative measures like SB 98 to ensure transparency and safety within school communities.