California Democrats advance package of immigration enforcement bills, met with harsh opposition by Republicans
At the start of session, California Democrats in both houses introduced dozens of anti-ICE bills. Many of them are advancing, amid strong pushback from Republicans.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California lawmakers are advancing their package of immigration-related bills that would restrict how federal immigration authorities operate in the state, setting up another clash between Democratic leaders and the Trump administration, as well as state Republicans, over immigration enforcement.
The proposals, many of which passed on the Assembly floor this week largely along party lines, are part of a broader effort by Democrats to increase oversight of federal immigration enforcement activities and limit cooperation with agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.
Supporters say the measures are necessary to protect immigrant communities and ensure accountability. Republicans argue the bills overstep state authority and unfairly target federal law enforcement officers carrying out their duties.
One measure, Assembly Bill 2230, would prohibit federal immigration agents from operating at or near polling places and daycare facilities without legal authority, such as a warrant. Democratic lawmakers backing the bill said it is intended to prevent voter intimidation and protect families from enforcement actions in sensitive locations.
“No parent should fear losing a child to enforcement actions, and no voter should be intimidated from participating in our democracy,” said Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías, the bill author and a Democrat from Martinez.
Republicans questioned whether the state has the authority to impose restrictions on federal officers.
“You guys don’t have jurisdiction over federal law enforcement officers,” said Assemblymember James Gallagher, a Republican from Nicolaus.
Another closely watched proposal, dubbed the “Get the Feds Out Act,” would bar individuals employed by ICE or other immigration enforcement agencies during President Donald Trump’s second administration from being hired as public employees or peace officers in California. The bill is co-authored by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas.
Supporters framed the measure as a response to concerns about immigration enforcement practices under the Trump administration.
“We believe a badge without accountability is dangerous,” said Assemblymember Mark González, the bill author, a Democrat from Los Angeles.
”If you come here to hunt our communities instead of serving them, then GTFO,” pointing to the bill acronym.
Republican lawmakers criticized the proposal, arguing it would penalize people for performing federal law enforcement jobs.
“Because you’re mad about immigration enforcement, you’re going to do that to people who are just doing their jobs?” Gallagher said during the floor debate. “Don’t do that, man.”
Lawmakers also advanced two measures targeting companies that contract with ICE.
One bill would impose a 50% tax on profits generated from immigration detention operations in California. Supporters said the state should discourage private companies from profiting from immigrant detention if it cannot prevent such contracts outright.
“Nobody should be incarcerated, detained in a facility operated by a for-profit company with no oversight or accountability,” said bill author Assemblymember Matt Haney, a Democrat from San Francisco.
A separate proposal would eliminate certain state tax incentives for California-based companies that contract with ICE or related immigration enforcement entities.
The bills come as California Democrats continue to challenge immigration policies pursued by the Trump administration. Since Trump returned to office, state lawmakers have introduced dozens of immigration-related measures aimed at limiting cooperation with federal enforcement efforts and expanding protections for immigrants.
Republicans described the legislative package as an attack on federal immigration enforcement and warned it could undermine public safety.
The Assembly-approved measures now move to the state Senate, where lawmakers are considering and advancing their own immigration-related proposals, including legislation targeting ICE contractors and a bill that would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings while on duty.
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