New California Bills Introduced by Senator Durazo Aim to Protect Street Vendors and Immigrants from Deportation

As immigration crackdowns rise, two new bills could offer safety, dignity, and peace of mind for thousands of California’s street vendors and immigrant families.

With growing fears of deportation under the new Trump administration, Senator María Elena Durazo and community advocates are urgently pushing two new bills—Senate Bill 580 (SB 580) and Senate Bill 635 (SB 635)—to protect immigrant communities and street vendors in California. These proposals offer real protections for some of the state’s most vulnerable workers.

SB 635 – The Street Vendor Protection Act

This bill would prohibit the sharing of street vendors’ personal information with immigration authorities. In simple terms, vendors’ names, addresses, or permit data could not be used by ICE to target or deport workers legally selling food or goods on city streets.

California is home to an estimated 50,000 street vendors, the majority of whom are Latino immigrants—many of them women and elderly. In Los Angeles alone, more than 10,000 vendors have applied for permits since street vending was legalized in 2018. But even with legalization, many continue working in fear of being deported.

SB 580 – Immigrant Protection Response Guidelines

This bill strengthens the model policies and databases used by public agencies to respond to immigration enforcement. SB 580 ensures that places like schools, hospitals, and state offices follow updated guidelines to avoid improperly cooperating with ICE.

“This bill gives us back something fundamental: the right to live with dignity and without fear,” said John Hinestroza, a janitor and member of SEIU-USWW. “It’s time we can go to the doctor or school without worrying it could put us in danger.”

Since President Trump returned to office, immigration enforcement efforts have intensified. Community groups across the state report increases in raids, detentions, and surveillance.

This has created a ripple effect:

• Fewer Street Vendors on the Streets: Organizations like Community Power Collective and Inclusive Action for the City report that many vendors have stopped working out of fear. Some neighborhoods in Los Angeles have seen up to a 30% decrease in street vendor activity since January.
• Fear of Public Services: Families are avoiding clinics, schools, and even social services, afraid that seeking help could expose them to immigration enforcement.

SB 580 and SB 635 are important steps forward, but advocates say more action is needed.

“These laws won’t solve everything, but they are essential tools to protect our people,” said Senator Durazo. “We want vendors to work with dignity and without fear. And we want every immigrant in California to know they can seek help without risking deportation.”

What’s Next?

SB 580 – Under Review by the Senate Appropriations Committee

This means the bill is currently being evaluated for its financial impact. The Senate Appropriations Committee determines how much the bill would cost to implement and whether the state can afford it. Next Step: If it passes this stage, it will go to a full vote on the Senate floor. If approved there, it moves to the State Assembly for further debate and voting.

SB 635 – Headed to the Full Senate for a Vote

This bill has already passed through policy committees and is now scheduled for a vote by the entire State Senate. Next Step: If the full Senate approves it, the bill moves to the State Assembly, where it must go through the same committee and voting process. If passed in both chambers, it will go to the Governor for final approval and signature into law.

Many organizations are mobilizing to ensure both bills reach the Governor’s desk:

• Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA)
• Community Power Collective
• Inclusive Action for the City
• Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice
• Public Counsel
• SEIU United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW)

How Can You Help?

• Call your state senator and ask them to vote YES on SB 580 and SB 635.
• If you’re a street vendor, reach out to local organizations to learn about your rights.
• Share this information with friends, neighbors, and family members.
• Sign this petition to let elected officials you support these bills

In a time of uncertainty, these bills represent hope and protection for thousands of hardworking Californians who are simply trying to support their families. As Senator Durazo put it: “Everyone deserves to live without fear.”