California immigration protection laws approved

California protects immigrant families with immigration protection laws
Los Angeles declares emergency
Newsom signs defensive legislation

The state of California and Los Angeles County have adopted a series of legal and administrative measures to counter the effects of the mass deportation campaign launched by President Donald Trump.

The main goal of these actions is to protect and stabilize immigrant communities impacted since June by large-scale immigration raids.

California passes immigration protection laws

One by one, California outlines the new protection measures for immigrants it has implemented. https://t.co/H0wjueobXr

— CNN en Español (@CNNEE) October 15, 2025

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved an emergency declaration on Tuesday in response to the impact of mass immigration detentions.

With this declaration, the council can mobilize and request additional resources to assist families affected by detentions, separations, and loss of income.

Lawmakers behind the measure argued that the White House’s immigration tactics have created a climate of widespread fear.

That fear, they said, has led to school and work absences, directly hurting Los Angeles County’s economy, according to CNN.

The proclamation also followed an order issued in June by California Governor Gavin Newsom, authorizing all state departments to take necessary steps to protect communities affected by immigration raids.

Newsom advances laws to protect immigrant families

📍 Los Angeles County declares a state of emergency over ICE raids. https://t.co/u5YGX4M0p3

— Noticias Telemundo (@TelemundoNews) October 15, 2025

In recent days, Governor Gavin Newsom signed several new California immigration protection laws aimed at shielding immigrant families at risk of separation.

On Sunday, he signed the Family Preparedness Plan Act (AB 495).

This law allows relatives of detained migrants to legally assume guardianship of minors left without caregivers after an immigration raid.

It also prohibits childcare centers from collecting information about the immigration status of children or their parents.

Upon signing, Newsom stated:

“Our children deserve to feel safe at home, in school, and in the community. We want to reaffirm our commitment to protecting families’ privacy, preserving parental rights, and helping them prepare in case of emergencies.”

The governor also signed the Street Vendor Business Protection Act (SB 635), which prevents immigration agents from accessing data collected by local governments from street vendors.

It further prohibits cities and counties from requesting citizenship or immigration status information from individuals applying for street vending permits.

Schools and hospitals shielded from ICE access

The new legislative package also includes measures to limit ICE presence in schools and healthcare facilities.

AB 49 prohibits school staff from allowing immigration agents on campus without a court order.
SB 81 defines clear rules for medical personnel interacting with ICE agents in hospitals and non-public medical areas.
SB 98 requires K–12 schools to notify parents when immigration agents are present on or near campus.

Community colleges and public universities in California must also inform students if ICE agents are near school grounds.

Another law, SB 627, bans both federal and local law enforcement, including ICE, from wearing balaclavas or extreme facial coverings during operations. This law will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Previously, Newsom had enacted SB 805, requiring agents to display visible identification showing their name or badge number and agency during enforcement actions.

The White House has strongly rejected these last two measures, arguing they endanger federal officers.