On Saturday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a revolutionary bill. This new legislation puts California on the front lines of protecting our communities from excessive and brutal law enforcement practices. Technical signing ceremony in Los Angeles. Newsom flanked by lawmakers and members of the state’s immigrant community celebrating the bill’s focus on increasing transparency and accountability within the law enforcement agency.
The new provision is intended to address what Newsom called federal overreach. We join him in expressing vehement disapproval at the use of masks by federal agents. This position especially aims at agencies such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to Newsom, “This is not about the pronoun police. This is about the secret police.” Accountability Alexis deeply understands the urgent moral imperative of accountability in policing.
Beyond the mask ban, Newsom signed AB 1690, accompanying legislation that provides added protections for immigrant communities. At the very least, the provisions unambiguously bar immigration agents from entering schools and healthcare facilities. They need a valid warrant or judicial order in order to conduct one. In addition, schools will have to ensure that parents and teachers are warned before immigration agents come to campus.
These legislative developments occur as opposition to Community Oriented Policing federal law enforcement practices grows among Californians. Newsom’s administration is striving to foster a sense of safety and security within immigrant communities that have often felt targeted by federal agencies.
“The men and women at CBP, ICE, and all of our federal law enforcement agencies put their lives on the line every day to arrest violent criminal illegal aliens to protect and defend the lives of American citizens,” stated Tricia McLaughlin, expressing the perspective of those who argue for strong federal enforcement of immigration laws.
Legal experts have helped us break down what the new laws mean for you. Erwin Chemerinsky, “except to the extent that it would create a clear and present danger of substantial harm to the governmental interest, in their duties.” For example, when on-duty, red lights are a requirement for federal employees to avoid. It’s a reminder of the profound tension that can exist between pursuing lawful enforcement of statutes and regulations, and protecting civil liberties.
This legislation represents Governor Newsom’s promise, as a Democrat, to honor California’s tradition of transparency and to rebuild community trust in law enforcement. By promoting measures that increase transparency in law enforcement practices, California aims to set a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues regarding federal authority and local governance.