California Approves New Laws Benefiting Undocumented Community

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of 21 laws on Tuesday, September 29 aimed at limiting the actions of federal immigration agents in the state. The measures seek to curb the Trump administration’s deportation campaign and improve conditions within immigrant detention centers.

California has been one of the states most opposed to the immigration policies of the Republican president since his return to the White House. This year alone, state legislators approved at least two dozen bills to expand protections for the undocumented community and limit cooperation between local authorities and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

«Trump has put his political interests above the health, safety and livelihoods of American families,» Newsom declared in an official statement, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Ban on Electric Shock Gloves and New Avenue to Sue ICE

One of the most discussed measures is AB 2760, which prohibits all law enforcement agents in California, including federal agents, from using gloves capable of administering electric shocks. Legislators expedited this bill after ICE awarded a $16.7 million contract to purchase 6,000 pairs of these devices in late August.

The law will take effect next year and remain in force through 2030. Its proponents explain that these gloves were designed to subdue people considered aggressive through electric shocks.

Another central measure is SB 747, known as the No Kings Act, championed by Democratic Senator Scott Wiener of San Francisco. The law allows civil lawsuits against any federal, state or local agent who violates a person’s constitutional rights, including excessive force or illegal searches.

«ICE and Border Patrol have terrorized California communities with impunity. That ends today,» Wiener stated in a release. The law took effect immediately upon Newsom’s signature. California police groups opposed the measure, arguing it could encourage excessive questioning of agents acting in good faith.

More Protections Within Immigration Detention Centers

The package also strengthens oversight of immigrant detention centers. SB 942, by Senator Anna Caballero of Merced, establishes a bill of rights for people held in civil custody.

SB 1399 expands the authority of state agencies to investigate conditions within these centers. California Attorney General Rob Bonta cosponsored the measure along with the organization Immigrant Defense Advocates.

SB 423, by Senator Lena González of Long Beach, requires government agencies to disclose emergency call records made from detention centers. The bill emerged following a CalMatters investigation into alleged sexual assaults at the Otay Mesa Detention Center near San Diego.

What Other Measures Are Included in California’s Immigration Package

The package also includes AB 1807, which prohibits federal immigration agents from using state-owned properties for their operations. AB 1806, meanwhile, requires state prosecutors to investigate shootings involving federal immigration agents.

Among the laws is also SB 937, which prohibits law enforcement from using stun grenades to disperse protests. Additionally, the package creates a 25% tax on private detention center contracts operating in California, according to LAist.